MARIA LUISA CARIA (FERRARO)
MAY 28, 1929 – JANUARY 2, 2018

It is with a very heavy and sad heart that the family of Maria Luisa Caria (Ferraro), age 88 years, announce her peaceful passing on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Roseview Manor. 

Maria was born on May 28, 1929 in Grimaldi, Italy to Attilio and Antoinetta Ferraro, she was the eldest of 3 sisters. At the age of 13 she finished school. She then attended private classes from a Master Seamster, who taught Maria her passion which in turn brought her to her life long vocation as a very successful seamstress.

In 1956, at the age of 27, Maria immigrated to Canada to an awaiting fiancé Giuseppe (Joe) Caria, her sweetheart from Grimaldi. They went on to have two children Anthony and Attilio (Leo) whom she loved dearly. Shortly after arriving in Port Arthur, Maria went to work for De Marcio and Mr. C Drycleaners. While there, Maria's talent, speed and work ethic were recognized and Maria was recruited to work for the T. Eaton Co. She was then headhunted to go to work for Sears, where she worked the longest. Maria also had a very successful home business with many clients coming to the house. 

One of Maria's great interests that few knew about, was her great thirst for medical knowledge. She would read medical textbooks whenever she could. She enjoyed numbers, she did her own taxes every year and the taxes of many friends and family. She was an avid gardener who grew enough food to not only feed her family, but share with the whole neighbourhood. She was an amazing cook, all were welcome to her dinner table. Should you have stopped by near mealtime you were expected to stay. 

Maria was a devout Catholic. Her faith was very very important to her, a quality she instilled in her children. She attended Mass several times a week, and was a long-time member of the Catholic Women's League of St. Andrews Church. In retirement, Maria volunteered at St Joseph's heritage where she helped feed the elderly everyday.  

Maria is survived by her son, Anthony Caria; sister Nella Salvati (Ferraro) and her family (Italy); sister in-law, Antoinette Coccimiglio (Caria) and her family. Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive in Canada and Italy.  

She is predeceased by her loving husband of 55 years, Giuseppe (Joe) Caria; her son Attilio (Leo) Caria; her parents; two infant brothers; sister Aurora Colistro (Ferraro); mother-in-law Maria Caria (Falsetta) and brothers in-law Joe Rose (Kamloops), Gaspare Coccimiglio and Massimo Salvati (Italy).

A very special Thank You to the personal caretakers and nursing staff at Roseview Manor (Champlain Ward). Words don't seem to be enough for all the care and compassion you have shown to not only to Maria, but her family and friends. Our thanks also go to PSW Nancy from St. Elizabeth Home Health Care whom help cared for Maria at home. We were blessed to have had you for 3 years.  

Funeral services for the late Mrs. Maria Caria will be held on Friday, January 12, 2018 leaving the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley St. at Algoma at 9:30 AM to St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Celebrated by Fr. Luigi Filippini. Private interment to follow in St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday evening after 5:00 PM in the Everest Chapel with the Vigil Prayers offered at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer Society.