Obituary of Ascenza Maria Sforza
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ascenza Maria Sforza, Née De Panfilis- on Wednesday, February 17th 2021 at the age of 71.
Beloved wife of Placido Sforza for 52 years. Cherished mother of Anthony, Daniele and Margherita (Stéphane). She is predeceased by her parents Giovanni and Erminia De Panfilis. cherished sister of Margherita (Cristino) Oddi, Fernando and Pietro Depanfilis (Maria). Loving aunt of the late Giovanni, Alessio and Miriana, Maria and Gemmi.
Fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends in Canada, the United States, Italy and France.
Ascenza came to Canada from Pettorano Sul Gizio on the Olympia in March 1968 in search of new opportunities. Over her many years of hard work, she worked at a clothing factory, as a seamstress, as a factory worker, and as a cook. She was a leader and guiding light who taught us persistence and to work hard for what we wanted.
She kept us happy with singing her favourite folk songs from her hometown, laughing with her many jokes. Most of the time we laughed more over the way she told us the joke than the joke itself! As our family’s matriarch she always knew how to host friends and family with her warmth, generosity, and abundance of delicious homemade food. Her love for the simple things in life: laughing, cooking, her garden and her family encompassed the beautiful loving woman and mother that she was.
A heartfelt appreciation is extended to the frontline staff at the ICU Unit and Dialysis Unit of Niagara Health System in St. Catharines. Their kindness and patience were comforting to both our mother and the family.
Due to Covid 19 restrictions, a private family service has taken place. Entombment at Victoria Lawn Cemetery. The family is requesting that any Memorial donations be made to the - Kidney Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, or the Ontario COVID-19 Rapid Research Fund and is greatly appreciated.
A Memorial Mass for Ascenza will now be celebrated at St Alfred's Church, 272 Vine Street, St. Catharines on Saturday, March 20th at 3:30p.m. Due to Covid19 restrictions, all guests must wear a mask.
This Flower
This Flower is so beautiful, innocent, and rare.
It is through the need to care for others that it grows.
Just as it must embrace the sunshine to live
As well it must share it, this the flower knows.
It will sacrifice a petal, to save the moth.
It will strain at its roots to support a raindrop
Letting it fall only if the ground is moist and soft.
This flower will halt its own growth to champion the garden’s cause.
It sways gracefully under the harshest of winds
Yet there is still beauty to be found in its fall.
It silences the bees so the birds may sing
And never hesitates to answer their call.
When it ages and begins to wilt
I will protect this flower like no other
Then, the onus to care will commence its tilt
For this flower is my Mother
©Daniele R. Sforza 1998