Obituary for Teresa Carmel Masetto (Nee Bruno)
It is with broken hearts that the family announces the passing of their Mother, Nonna and Sister, Teresa Carmel Masetto (nee Bruno), who passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 30, 2022.
Teresa was born on August 17, 1937, into a large loving family of eleven brothers and sisters in Fort William, ON. Teresa would often share countless stories of her family growing up in the East End. The vivid memories she shared with us made it possible to bring the good old days back to life. Her bright and beautiful mind along with her unwavering positivity gave her and her family strength to overcome all of life’s challenges.
Teresa was educated at St. Peter’s Elementary School. She completed her education at St. Patrick’s High School. On March 5, 1957, after pleading successfully with her mother to leave the house unsupervised, she attended the Italian Hall for the mascaraed dance, where she met the love of her life, Giordano (Gordon) Masetto. She would often tell her family that when she shared her first dance with Gordon (Nonno), she heard bells ring.
As a young girl, she worked at Buset’s Groceries where she made many long lasting friendships. After marrying Gordon and giving birth to her two daughters, Susan and Tina, she began her employment at Sears, where she made cherished friendships with coworkers until her retirement in 1997 after 25 years of service. Work never got in the way of her enjoying all that life had to offer. Teresa looked forward to the many trips planned to Las Vegas, Italy, Florida, and Mexico with her loving husband. She devoted her time to many noble causes, including the Catholic Women’s League and the DaVinci Centre, but most importantly she devoted everything she had to her family. Teresa regularly enjoyed baking and cooking; not a Sunday would pass without a family dinner at “Nonna’s House”, and absolutely no one left hungry or without a smile. If she wasn’t in the kitchen, you could bet you’d find her maintaining her garden, shopping, or at the casino.
Nonna found pride and joy in her grandchildren Eric and Scott Zablotny, and Connor and Jacqueline Hanley. She was so proud of each of you and grateful she was here to share in your accomplishments, watching you grow into beautiful young adults; if she could have one wish, it would be that Nonno would have been here to share in her pride. You each brought her continuous joy and laughter.
Nonna was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Margaret’s Roman Catholic Church. Whenever you would visit Nonna, she would remind you that you were part of her daily prayers, and that she was sure good things were coming your way. Until recently, Nonna regularly attended Sunday morning mass at St. Margaret’s and always looked forward to grabbing coffee with the church gang afterwards.
In 2020 Nonna’s health declined. She moved into Chartwell on her own accord and quickly turned Chartwell into the place she called home. It was at Chartwell that she made new friends, and enjoyed various outings and activities. She could not speak more highly of the staff, who always seemed to bring a smile to her face.
We cannot thank Chartwell enough for the first-class care they provided Nonna. Big hugs to Sue and Stephanie at Chartwell for going above and beyond their call of duty. Your kindness, compassion and quality of care will never be forgotten.
Over Nonna’s life, she was confronted with more medical issues than most could handle, but she never once complained, and lived each day, which she considered “borrowed time”, as if it were her last. She remained relentlessly positive throughout her life, and lived devoutly by the motto she would always sing, “que sera sera”—whatever will be will be.
Teresa is survived by her children Susan (Rob) Bell, and Tina Masetto (Warren Manis), Grandchildren Eric and Scott Zablotny, and Connor (Alicia Moore), and Jacqueline Hanley (Joe Willis). She is also survived by her sister Marie Hope, brother James Bruno, sister-in-law Wilma Bruno, and her many nieces, nephews and relatives who remain in Italy. She is predeceased by her husband Giordano, parents: Louis Bruno and Mary Grace, brothers: Carmine Bruno, Anthony Bruno, Sam Bruno, Joseph Bruno, and sisters: Jean Hart, Madeline MacDonald, Rose Pero, Josephine DePaulo, and Anne Tennant.
A very special thank you to each of the physicians and specialists involved in Teresa’s care: Dr. Commisso, Dr. Lai, Dr. Silverberg, Dr. Kotb, Dr. Harris, Dr. Gamble, Dr. Brad Jacobson, and the TBRHSC emergency physicians, nurses, and paramedics. We cannot thank you enough, Maria, the liaison and patient advocate at the TBRHSC, who helped our family many times in navigating Teresa’s stay in the emergency dept. The family would also like to express our utmost gratitude towards St. Joseph’s General Hospital and all of the staff that cared for Teresa.
There were countless personal support workers that provided care for Teresa, including those at the North West LHIN for which we are thankful. Both Teresa and her family are forever grateful for the quality of care that she received from her primary nurse Shelia, as well as Corey and Donna, who remained by Teresa’s side throughout her journey. We would also like to thank Teresa’s case manager, Janet, at North West LHIN who helped ensure the proper systems were in place for Teresa’s care.
A Memorial service for Teresa will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 3, 2022 in the Chapel of Sargent and Son Funeral Home with Rev. Ciaran Donnelly officiating. Interment will take place at St. Andrew's Cemetery. Those wishing to attend virtually may do so at Sargent and Son Facebook page. If friends and family so desire, we know Teresa would appreciate donations, in her memory, directed to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Canadian Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
Nonna, you will be missed but will forever remain in our hearts and fondest memories. We will try our best to live each day as you did, bringing kindness, joy and laughter to those around us, though we are not sure anyone could do this quite like you.
With broken hearts we say this is not goodbye but until we meet again.
Teresa was born on August 17, 1937, into a large loving family of eleven brothers and sisters in Fort William, ON. Teresa would often share countless stories of her family growing up in the East End. The vivid memories she shared with us made it possible to bring the good old days back to life. Her bright and beautiful mind along with her unwavering positivity gave her and her family strength to overcome all of life’s challenges.
Teresa was educated at St. Peter’s Elementary School. She completed her education at St. Patrick’s High School. On March 5, 1957, after pleading successfully with her mother to leave the house unsupervised, she attended the Italian Hall for the mascaraed dance, where she met the love of her life, Giordano (Gordon) Masetto. She would often tell her family that when she shared her first dance with Gordon (Nonno), she heard bells ring.
As a young girl, she worked at Buset’s Groceries where she made many long lasting friendships. After marrying Gordon and giving birth to her two daughters, Susan and Tina, she began her employment at Sears, where she made cherished friendships with coworkers until her retirement in 1997 after 25 years of service. Work never got in the way of her enjoying all that life had to offer. Teresa looked forward to the many trips planned to Las Vegas, Italy, Florida, and Mexico with her loving husband. She devoted her time to many noble causes, including the Catholic Women’s League and the DaVinci Centre, but most importantly she devoted everything she had to her family. Teresa regularly enjoyed baking and cooking; not a Sunday would pass without a family dinner at “Nonna’s House”, and absolutely no one left hungry or without a smile. If she wasn’t in the kitchen, you could bet you’d find her maintaining her garden, shopping, or at the casino.
Nonna found pride and joy in her grandchildren Eric and Scott Zablotny, and Connor and Jacqueline Hanley. She was so proud of each of you and grateful she was here to share in your accomplishments, watching you grow into beautiful young adults; if she could have one wish, it would be that Nonno would have been here to share in her pride. You each brought her continuous joy and laughter.
Nonna was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Margaret’s Roman Catholic Church. Whenever you would visit Nonna, she would remind you that you were part of her daily prayers, and that she was sure good things were coming your way. Until recently, Nonna regularly attended Sunday morning mass at St. Margaret’s and always looked forward to grabbing coffee with the church gang afterwards.
In 2020 Nonna’s health declined. She moved into Chartwell on her own accord and quickly turned Chartwell into the place she called home. It was at Chartwell that she made new friends, and enjoyed various outings and activities. She could not speak more highly of the staff, who always seemed to bring a smile to her face.
We cannot thank Chartwell enough for the first-class care they provided Nonna. Big hugs to Sue and Stephanie at Chartwell for going above and beyond their call of duty. Your kindness, compassion and quality of care will never be forgotten.
Over Nonna’s life, she was confronted with more medical issues than most could handle, but she never once complained, and lived each day, which she considered “borrowed time”, as if it were her last. She remained relentlessly positive throughout her life, and lived devoutly by the motto she would always sing, “que sera sera”—whatever will be will be.
Teresa is survived by her children Susan (Rob) Bell, and Tina Masetto (Warren Manis), Grandchildren Eric and Scott Zablotny, and Connor (Alicia Moore), and Jacqueline Hanley (Joe Willis). She is also survived by her sister Marie Hope, brother James Bruno, sister-in-law Wilma Bruno, and her many nieces, nephews and relatives who remain in Italy. She is predeceased by her husband Giordano, parents: Louis Bruno and Mary Grace, brothers: Carmine Bruno, Anthony Bruno, Sam Bruno, Joseph Bruno, and sisters: Jean Hart, Madeline MacDonald, Rose Pero, Josephine DePaulo, and Anne Tennant.
A very special thank you to each of the physicians and specialists involved in Teresa’s care: Dr. Commisso, Dr. Lai, Dr. Silverberg, Dr. Kotb, Dr. Harris, Dr. Gamble, Dr. Brad Jacobson, and the TBRHSC emergency physicians, nurses, and paramedics. We cannot thank you enough, Maria, the liaison and patient advocate at the TBRHSC, who helped our family many times in navigating Teresa’s stay in the emergency dept. The family would also like to express our utmost gratitude towards St. Joseph’s General Hospital and all of the staff that cared for Teresa.
There were countless personal support workers that provided care for Teresa, including those at the North West LHIN for which we are thankful. Both Teresa and her family are forever grateful for the quality of care that she received from her primary nurse Shelia, as well as Corey and Donna, who remained by Teresa’s side throughout her journey. We would also like to thank Teresa’s case manager, Janet, at North West LHIN who helped ensure the proper systems were in place for Teresa’s care.
A Memorial service for Teresa will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 3, 2022 in the Chapel of Sargent and Son Funeral Home with Rev. Ciaran Donnelly officiating. Interment will take place at St. Andrew's Cemetery. Those wishing to attend virtually may do so at Sargent and Son Facebook page. If friends and family so desire, we know Teresa would appreciate donations, in her memory, directed to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Canadian Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
Nonna, you will be missed but will forever remain in our hearts and fondest memories. We will try our best to live each day as you did, bringing kindness, joy and laughter to those around us, though we are not sure anyone could do this quite like you.
With broken hearts we say this is not goodbye but until we meet again.