Rosaria Mancuso

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Rosaria Marisa Mancuso on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at the age of 78, surrounded by family. Marisa was a beloved wife, mother, nonna, great-grandmother, zia, comare and friend. She lived her life humbly with love and laughter and touched the hearts of everyone she knew.
 
Daughter of Vincenzo Gallo and Immacolata Gatto, Marisa was born in Rogliano, Cosenza Italy, on May 9, 1945. It was there that she captured the heart of Gregorio Mancuso, one evening while at the piazza San Domenico. Soon after, she moved to Canada to marry the love of her life and husband of 57 years, Gregorio. They settled in Thunder Bay, Port Arthur, and were blessed with two beautiful children, Lina and John.  Marissa’s brother Peter, who she loved dearly and treated as a son, joined their family in 1967. Their family continued to grow with the addition of Marisa’s greatest joy, which was her grandchildren; Ashley, Naz, Devon, Marissa and Gregorio and her great grandson Quincy.
 
Marisa will forever be known for her immense love and compassion, sense of humour, and delicious cooking. The highlight of her life over the last thirty years was feeding her family a huge dinner every Sunday. Her homemade sauce, panzerotti, gnocchi and pittuilli were decadent and unlike any other. Her hospitality knew no boundaries, and you could be sure to never leave her home hungry.
 
One characteristic loved by all was Marisa’s cheerful humour, quick wit and one-liners. She was the life of the party and always knew how to bring a smile to your face. Her easygoing and non-judgmental personality was admired by her family and friends. You would often hear her singing Ave Maria, Hallelujah and any other song accompanied by an accordion. Marisa’s guilty pleasure was shopping. A good sale was sure to put a big smile on her face. Beyond the act of shopping itself, Marisa had a heart of gold, and this was evident in her generosity and thoughtfulness. Throughout her life, Marisa demonstrated great strength and what it truly meant to love unconditionally. Her family was her legacy, and she leaves behind a profound impact on every person who had the privilege of knowing her.
 
While living in Thunder Bay, Marisa taught herself how to read and speak English by watching Sesame Street and reading the Newspaper daily. She joined the Alpini Choir, Italian Society of Port Arthur Women's Club, worked as a cook at the Italian Cultural Centre and became a foster mother to many children.
 
Marisa will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her husband Gregorio, her children Lina and husband Salvatore Tassone, John and wife Crystal Mancuso, grandchildren: Devon (Stephannie), Ashley (John a.k.a ”Miguel’), Nazzareno, Marissa, Gregorio and great-grandson: Quincy; brother Peter and wife Caterina Gallo; In-laws Ida Chiodo, Maria Fragale, Santina Grdevich, Giovanni Mancuso (Francis), Dina Mancuso and numerous nieces nephews, and cousins from Canada, Italy, Australia, and the United States. She is predeceased by her parents Vincenzo Gallo and Immacolata Gatto, her brother Alexandro Gallo, and sisters Adelina Sottile, and Rosina Garofalo.  In-laws Gina Coccari, Antonio Sottile, Giuseppe Garofalo, Luigi Fragale, Joe Grdevich, Peter Chiodo, Pasquale Palermo, niece Maria Palermo and nephews Joe (Jr.) Grdevich and Sandro Fragale.
 
A funeral service to celebrate Marisa’s life will be held on Monday, July 31, 2023, at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church.  The mass will begin at 11:00 am followed by a private entombment at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Those wishing to attend the service virtually may do so at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6FTO_SaYaM.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at Sargent & Son Funeral Home from 2:00-4:00 pm with the vigil service beginning at 4:00 pm. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Marisa’s name to Our Hearts at Home Foundation, TBRHSC Renal Department or the Canadian Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
 
A very special thank you to all of those who have supported our family during Marisa’s illness. We appreciate the visits, words of expression, prayers and acts of kindness. The song has ended, but the melody lingers on...