It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Tropea of Maple Ridge, British Columbia on July 15, 2025.
Maria was pre-deceased by her father, Agatino D’Antonio, and her mother, Pietra D’Antonio (née Marsiglia), most of her siblings, her son Rinaldo, and her husband of 66 years, Giovanni. She is survived by her sister Anna Cistarelli, numerous nieces and nephews, her children Enzo (Jacqueline), Tino, Angela (Douglas), Pierina (Derek), and her grandchildren Brock, Justin, Skye, Tanner, Ryan, and Priscilla.
Maria was born in Catania, Sicily in 1939, married in Rome, Italy in 1959, settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1959, and in 2016, Maria and Giovanni moved to Maple Ridge, British Columbia.
Maria chose to stay at home to raise her family. She was a wonderful and wholesome mother. She made her children’s clothes, kept house, packed lunches, and made food from scratch. Dinner was always on the kitchen table at 4:00pm sharp, and if in town on Sundays, a special Sunday dinner was served on fancy plates in the dining room. Maria’s ways grounded her family by bringing structure, consistency, and a sense of belonging.
Maria loved the Winnipeg Jets, Blue Bombers, Bingo, and going to the cabin where she would go fishing before anyone was out of bed, but more than anything, she loved her family.
She was fun and dressed up for every holiday. At Christmas, people would do a double take, as she would have flashing lights on her walker. She was also very adventurous - at the age of 82, she walked her walker into the ocean and got onto a jet-ski.
One of Maria’s most cherished days was her 50th Wedding Anniversary, as Maria and Giovanni renewed their vows that day and married each other once again. This time around, they had a limousine, three-tiered cake, and over one hundred guests. Maria had put some photos into a small album, an album that would come to mean a great deal to her later in life.
On September 29, 2024, Maria went into the hospital. Sadly, soon thereafter, Giovanni was admitted into the same hospital. Unfortunately, Maria was too ill to be by Giovanni’s side when he passed away on November 28, 2024.
After Giovanni passed, the children brought a pendant that held their father’s ashes to the hospital, along with the wedding album. Maria would kiss the pendant and hold it to her lips, clutch the album on her chest during the day and hold it tight at night … and when she would leave her room, she would place the album neatly under her bedding. No one could have ever imagined how much she would cherish the album or how much comfort it would bring to her.
After four months in the hospital, and much to everyone’s surprise, Maria went home, then to the Baillie House Residential Care Home.
At the Baillie House, Maria had regular caregivers and was surrounded by new friends. She was proud of her room and loved it. Her room was large, with lots of windows, familiar furniture, plants, and of course, pictures of the family. Everyone made comments about how cozy her room was and when Angela and Pierina would visit and watch TV, they felt like they were hanging out at their mom and dad’s old place.
On Friday, July 11th, Maria’s family noticed a sudden and significant change in her demeanour. Her children began a three-day vigil of holding her hand, talking to her, brushing her hair, and telling her how much they loved her.
Before passing Maria briefly regained consciousness. She waived goodbye with both hands, said “bye” in a soft voice (twice), made the sign of the cross, and blew two kisses. Maria never spoke a word again.
On Tuesday, July 15th at 6:30am, 199 days after their father had passed, the children watched their mother take her last breath.
Maria was escorted to the transport vehicle by her family, clothed in her wedding dress, with her photo album and Giovanni’s rosary by her side. It was a beautiful day, so the children uncovered her face and placed their mother in the sun, her favourite place, one last time.
Dad, you’d be happy and proud of us. We fulfilled your last wish and took care of momma, right to the last possible moment.
A private service was held for Maria on July 18th at Golden Ears United Church. The family laughed, cried, and reminisced.
The family would like to thank Reverend Leenane, who performed the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (formerly known as The Last Rights) for their mother and for everything that Leenane has done for their family.
Mom, we miss you so very much but take comfort in knowing that you are no longer suffering, that you are at peace, and that you have re-united with Dad and Rinaldo.
We love you Momma.
August 3rd, 2025
my heartfelt condolences goes to you and your family I know before your father passed away, he requested to talk to Anna and I. We were so moved by digester that during his last days he wanted to talk to us and say goodbye. We were devastated after his passing. Then shortly after my wife, Anna passed away. We would always call them, Johnny and Maria. Both your parents gave so much without hesitation to us open their hearts for friendship that is and always will be everlasting. I know Anna is with them as your mom always had a beautiful spread for lunch and dinner that we would spend and share a lot of time with them. Her famous little jars of hot peppers was always my favorite. Anna and I would always enjoy visiting your parents and doing what we could for them when we could they became our best friends in such a short time. They are and always will be a part of our lives that we will always remember and cherish. To what they had they gave without hesitation as we did the same and always look forward to seeing them and sharing and quitting, beautiful moments and memories together that will always be remembered and never forgotten. Through the time of seeing them and being with them, we became family. your mom and dad will always and forever be in our thoughts and in our hearts for both me and Anna. We are so blessed and grateful that we were able to see and share our life with your mom and dad.Again so sorry for your loss sending love and healing prayers for your family. Wayne and Anna.
🌹❤️🙏🙏🙏❤️🌹
July 28th, 2025
So very sorry for your loss. The cherished memories we have as children are forever engraved in our hearts and minds. The joy and fun we shared as a family leaves a lifetime of heartfelt memories. Treasured memories of playing the accordion for my Aunt and Uncle at special gatherings. Spending quality time together at the cabin, breaking bread together, playing cards, and all the fun shenanigans our families experienced together. Deepest regards and condolences to Enzo, Tino, Pierina , Angela and their families.
July 26th, 2025
We cherish memories of happy times with John and Maria and our families. Fishing on the dock, bonfires. winemaking, and having a cup of coffee!
Our sincere condolences,
Bill and Nadia
July 26th, 2025
We are very sorry to hear of Zia’s passing. My earliest memories involved both your parents and the happiness, and zest for life that they both had for themselves, their family, their friends and most importantly each other.Many long walks, early morning minnow catching, and fishing, many great meals, stories , bocce ball games, card games , which always ended up with a tonne of laughs and most importantly, cherished memories which will never be forgotten. Your parents loved each other to the moon and back, and now again they can be together to share that love again.
Enzo,Tino, Angela and Pierina, and your families,,We are sorry for her loss, but her, and your dads memories will always bring smiles to our faces, and warmth to our hearts.
Big hugs, from all of us.
July 26th, 2025
I want to offer my deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful mother Maria. She was always laughing and full of life, and her husband Giovanni was the same, together, they brought out the very best in everyone around them, including my own parents. I have such fond memories of knowing them throughout my entire life. Maria’s striking beauty, her gorgeous red hair, always perfectly done, and her elegant style .
The bond between your parents and mine was truly special, both couples shared not only the same names, Maria and Giovanni, but also a lifelong friendship filled with love and joy. I was honored that my parents stood with them during their beautiful 50th wedding anniversary vow renewal ,a spectacular celebration of a remarkable love and commitment!
While I cannot fully comprehend the depth of your sorrow, having lost my own parents, I share in your grief and hold you close in my heart during this difficult time. It comforts me to imagine your parents reunited with mine in heaven, sharing laughter and the kind of shenanigans that only lifelong friends can have.❤️
Love, Rita
July 26th, 2025
Zia Maria lived a good life and you have all the memories to comfort you in your loss 💕 wow, the resemblance to Ronaldo is so clear in this picture. Our condolences
July 26th, 2025
We are saddened by this news. So deeply sorry for your loss! Your parents are dancing together now through their next journey together.
We pray that you, Angela, Pierina Tino and Enzo will find the strength together to hold each other up as you get through this. Find strength in each other and hold on tight to each memory!
July 25th, 2025
RIP comara you will never be forgotten ❤️
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