ANTONINA PACELLA

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ANTONINA PACELLA
January 17, 1932 - June 15, 2022

Peacefully on June 15, 2022, Antonina Pacella passed away at the age of 90, surrounded by her family.
Antonina was born in Balvano, Italy, on January 17, 1932.
She was predeceased by her husband Donato, son Frank, brothers, Vito Distasio, Donato Distasio, Antonio Distasio and sisters, Filomena Curatolo, Maria Pannunzio and many cherished friends and family.
She leaves to mourn her daughter Maria, beloved grandsons, Alessandro and Adriano Augellone, son-in-law Reno Augellone, brother Pasquale Distasio of Balvano, Italy, sisters-in-law, Angela Distasio and Filomena Distasio and brother-in-law Antonio Bagnulo and sister-in-law Rosa Bagnulo and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mom, we know you are at peace as you are reunited with your beloved husband, son, family, and dearest friends.
You lived your life with a fierce will and determination, and you embraced your adversities and challenges with courage and strength. Your sacrifices were many and your selfless and compassionate life will be rewarded for eternity.
You mourned your losses hard but your ability to carry on and 'pick yourself up by the bootstraps' will always be my greatest inspiration. You are my rock, my foundation, and my model for a fearless leader.
Mom's life was measured by her deep friendships, the love she had for them and the love they had for her. They are far too numerous to name. 'You know who you are'. However, in her later years, her cherished and beloved, 'Girls'; Santina Catanese, Gianna Buscemi, Marie Topic, Anna Casale, Angela Distasio and Gilda Pacilli, were her touchstones and her earthly rewards for the very selfless life she led.
Her favourite pastimes were reading her 'Messaggero di Sant'Antonio', making homemade pasta, going for long walks and of course, her gardening.
Mom's garden was her sanctuary, and it seems fitting that it was where her journey and transition to her new life in heaven begins. Look out everyone, one very feisty and fierce fighter is joining your team!
Condolences can be offered at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 510 River Ave., on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Father Sam Argenziano celebrant. Entombment in Chapel of Eternal Memories Mausoleum, Waverley Memorial Gardens, 1501 Waverley St.
Active Pallbearers: Joe Distasio, Tony Distasio, Jino Distasio, Rafael Bagnulo, DJ Huver and John Huver
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
To view the proceedings online visit: https://youtu.be/yEG1JeSE6S4

Your Mother Is Always with You
She's the whisper of the leaves
as you walk down the street.
She's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick,
the fragrance of life itself.
She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well.
She's your breath in the air
on a cold winters' day.
She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow.
She is Christmas morning.
Your mother lives inside your laughter.
She's the place you come from,
your first home.
She's the map you follow wit
every step you take.
She's your first love, your first friend,
even your first enemy.
But nothing on Earth can separate you.
Not time.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 18, 2022