Obituary of Maria Pasqua Tommasini

In loving memory of Maria Tommasini, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at Brightwater Senior Living care home at the age of 91. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Bruno; parents Ottaviano and Lucia; and three sisters Ortenzia, Ada and Lina. Maria leaves to cherish her memory, three children Gloria (Ron-deceased April 2024), Laura (Stephen) and Bruno Jr. (Tanya); as well as the delights of her life, her grandchildren Mitchell, Ellen and Meelayna.

Maria was born in Spilimbergo, Italy in 1933, along with her twin sister Ada, and grew up in the arduous years of the war.

She met her true love, Bruno, and in 1957 became his bride. By 1959, Maria had bravely packed up her life in Italy and boarded a ship bound for her new home in Canada. There she reunited with Bruno who had made the same difficult journey a year and half earlier in the hope of establishing new roots for his future family. They had no money when they left Italy, what they did have was determination and love: both which carried them through their sixty-two-year marriage.

Bruno and Maria made Regina their home, and quickly developed connections which surpass any social network today, forming long and lasting friendships and a community of Italian fellowship. Like so many immigrants, their journey was marked by challenges, and their successes were hard earned. But they firmly believed that it was important to immerse themselves in the country that welcomed them, while simultaneously retaining their Italian culture and traditions. For example, Maria was adamant that although they became Canadian citizens, her children would know the Italian language. And she held fast to that, as she did with many principles that she held dear.

Maria, like many women of her generation, was a mother and wife, a talented cook, a proficient sewer, and an impeccable homemaker. She loved her family with food. lasagna, gnocchi, polenta, minestra... recipes were a mere guideline and love was her main ingredient. Whether it was her grandchildren or the children that she provided daycare to, nothing gave her greater satisfaction than a devoured plate of her home-made offerings.

She loved to party with their many close friends and dance a good polka or waltz with Bruno; not to mention playing cards with anyone that was willing to keep up with her.

Maria vivacious and outgoing personality was embodied by her love of laughter. she was loud and she was happy, and one always knew when she was in your midst. Maria had many life-long friends over the years, and held them dear to her heart.

Maria’s greatest joys and blessings were her grandchildren: her immeasurable love for them would burst forth from her physical being each and every time she was with them. Her body would smile, her heart would sing, nothing was more wonderful to her. 

Maria was tenacious and resolute, and even in her later years when she suffered many health challenges, her strong will to live sustained her. She had strong beliefs, and remained steadfast that nothing could be more important than her family and friends.  

A long life of devoutness and holding strong faith in her God gave her much comfort. In His arms, may her soul now rest in peace.

Cara mamma, riposa in pace.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Little Flower Church, 420 College Ave. Regina, SK.