Luisa Fortunato passed away peacefully on Monday, April 29, 2024, at Pioneer Manor at the age of 98.
Daughter of Vincenzo and Maria Nardi (predeceased). Luisa is the oldest of 11 brother and sisters: Saverio (predeceased), Ida (Dominico predeceased), Ada (Natale predeceased), Francesco (predeceased) (Rosetta), Adelina, Oliverio (Ana Rosa), Aldo (predeceased)(Nella), Lina (Peter), Anna Rita (Joe) and Olivia (Guilio).
Loving wife of Eugenio Fortunato (predeceased). Lovingly missed by her children; Anna Maria, twins Rita (Barry Beech predeceased) and Sergio (predeceased)(Janet), and Vincenzo (Liela). Survived by grandchildren Anthony (Sonia), Matthew (Rebecca), Lauren (Joseph), Lisa (Michael), Eldon (Jessica), Sergio, Geena, Brianna (Matthew), Jenna, and Julia. Great grandchildren; Geena, Gennaro, Giorgia, Adrianna and William.
Luisa was born in Laurignano, Italy in 1925. Many of her siblings considered her their second mamma. She immigrated to Canada in 1950 with her husband and her daughter Anna. They settled in the community of Gatchell, which was made up of many of her relatives, including two first cousins that lived next door, one on each side, who were like sisters to her.
She lived a simple life, and her family was everything to her. She showed her love by feeding everyone and always asking if they are and if they were hungry (hai mangiato?). She spent endless hours in her vegetable gardens, harvested enough to feed her family through the summer and lots left over for winter. Her cooking skills were amazing. She was creative and put together many traditional Calabrese dishes that have now been passed on to the next generation.
Luisa will be fondly remembered of her kindness, gentleness, and unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to resonate through the lives of those she touched.
We want to say a very special thank you to all of the staff at Pioneer Manor and especially the staff in Lodge 2. She was known to everyone as Nonna. Thank you to Antonella and the rest of the staff, too many to name. All of you were so wonderful in her care.
Forever in our hearts, our beloved Mamma and Nanna.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sudbury Food Bank or Health Sciences North Foundation in Luisa’s memory, would be appreciated.
Resting at the Jackson & Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch Street, Sudbury.
Friends may gather from 2-4PM and 6-8PM on Thursday, May 2, 2024, with parish prayers at 2:30PM.
Funeral Mass in St. Anthony’s Church, 19 Mary Street, Sudbury, Friday, May 3rd, 2024, at 10:30AM.
Interment in the family plot at the Parklawn Cemetery.