Obituary of Ida Ammirato

Ida Ammirato (nee Turco) September 5, 1928 – June 29, 2020It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother due to natural causes at home in Aurora, on June 29, 2020 at the age of 91. She will be remembered for her strength, endurance and desire to persevere life's many challenges as well as her sharp memory, gentle kind nature and warm kisses. Together with her late husband Giovanni Ammirato, they immigrated to Canada in the late 1950’s from Dipignano, a small town in the Province of Cosenza in southern Italy. She faced life's challenges with resilience, courage and determination, in particular during the passing of her daughter Rosamaria at a young age (1985), followed by the passing of her husband Giovanni (1990). A dedicated mother to Rosamaria (predeceased), Ercole (Dorathy 2015) (Nancy), Franca (Italo) and Alba (John). A very proud grandmother to Denise (Bill), Crystal (Andrew), Max, Adam (Amy-Chris), Matthew (Laura), Lucas, Mandi (Nathan), John Michael (Kelly) and David (Margaux). She was so very proud of her (7) great grandchildren; Tyler, Brandee, Marlena, Azlo, John Luke, Jason, Adelia, and an additional great grandchild expected in September and her (3) great-great grandchildren Kaleigha, Payson and Princeton. Fondly remembered by her many nephews and nieces and sister in laws Rafelina, Maria and Candida. She was one of six siblings and the last surviving, predeceased by brothers, Tonino and Vincenzo (Argentina), and sisters Gina (Argentina), Maria and Nina (Italy).No special dates went unnoticed for everyone who knew her. Her memory was incredibly sharp and her garden was her treasure. She was very proud of her Italian heritage and customs, bringing them to Canada and sharing them with her family. She will be missed by the many people that were part of her phone conversations, staying in touch and providing support to all family and friends right up until the last day of her life. Although weaning in health, unbeknownst to family, she managed to communicate with several people who were close to her within hours of her passing. We are grateful that mom spent all her years surrounded by family at home and for the care that her daughter Franca provided to her for many years leading up to her passing. Franca upheld her promise that her mother would never be put in nursing care, and with God's grace, mom and Franca were blessed that this promise was fulfilled.Mom endured hardship throughout her life, struggling financially upon arriving in a new country with a different culture, having a language barrier and subsequently later in life losing a child and a husband at an early age. She was separated from all her siblings since leaving Italy 61 years ago choosing to join her husband Giovanni in Canada in 1959. Her mother, father and three siblings immigrated to Argentina and her two other siblings remained in Italy. One can only imagine the hardship and pain of leaving your family behind to begin a life in a new country. Even though she faced these difficulties, she managed to learn a new language, manage the financial needs of her family, and to provide for her children all while adjusting to the challenges of a new country. So much credit goes out to her during the early part of her life for having her children and to become a valuable member and citizen of our Canadian culture. She created so much with humble beginnings. She did this through her faith in God and praying nightly for everyone. She would often express that she wasn’t necessarily sleeping, but praying for all those that needed prayer. We can affirm that she continued praying right till her last moments. At the very end of her life just minutes before she passed, she expressed to her daughter Franca that she was dying. We often spoke about dying, and she vividly noted that she was afraid of death and not ready for it, but that she would accept it if it presented itself. At the end her eyes expressed the fear that she referenced about death, however, as difficult as it was leaving her primary caregiver, Franca, she was prepared to leave behind the significant dependence and reliance she had on her, and the suffering she endured during the last 2 years of her life. She expressed her joy and desire to live and to see one final life in the birth of her latest great granddaughter Adelia. Mom we will miss, your conversations, your calls to everyone on those special days, your loving demeanor to accept everyone, your phone at your fingertips, your worn out TV converter and your inability to navigate through the various channels, the glee and anticipation that you expressed daily in watching Jeopardy, Wheel of fortune, The Price is Right, Wrestling, Che Posta per Te and the Italian Johnny Lombardi show on Sundays. Her warm smile, hugs, compassion and determination will be treasured and missed by everyone around her. Mom share signs with everyone that you have arrived in heaven and that you are united with your loved ones. May you rest in peace forever