Mrs. Anna Didiano

Obituary

Anna Didiano (née DiRenzo), died encircled by the loving embrace of her family in Toronto on October 7th, 2023 at the age of 87. Born in Maierato, Catanzaro, Italy to Annunziata and Vincenzo DiRenzo on October 2nd, 1936, Anna was the second daughter of four children: Rosa (Pasquale Francesco), Appolonia (Rocco), and Pina.

Anna was raised on the family farm with her sisters where she preferred to be out in the fields with her father rather than working in the home. Anna developed a love for learning at school and was an excellent student. Anna married, Rocco, a young man from her village and they travelled together arriving in Canada on June 13th, 1958. Together they had dreams of providing a life for their family that they could not have attained back home. Anna and Rocco settled in Little Italy, in downtown Toronto, where they raised their three children. Their home on Markham St. provided a safe landing point for many extended family members.

There was always a place at their table for family and neighbours alike. Anna was a woman of many talents, including traditional baking, gardening, crocheting, and cooking. Anna was a gifted cook and carried on the traditional baking that she learned growing up. Many neighbours on the street, including Jim next door, benefitted from Anna's sharing of chickpea pasta on the Feast Day of St. Joseph and her annual Easter and Christmas baking. Anna loved growing herbs and vegetables which she also shared with her community.

Anna was a woman of strong faith throughout her life. She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and prayed the rosary every day. When she was no longer able to attend mass in-person due to her health, she watched the mass on Youtube. Anna enjoyed reading the Bible and her many prayer books from which she took great comfort. Two favorite activities of Anna's were completing the word search in the Saturday Toronto Star and scratching the "Crossword" lottery tickets.

Anna was a loving soul whose kindness was far-reaching and influenced so many, not least of which are her children, Philip (Karen), Rosalia, and Vince (Mary).

Anna is predeceased by her husband Rocco (2018) her sister Rosa. Anna had a loving relationship with her sisters and brothers-in law, Filomena (Nicola), Domenico (Rosina), Elisabetta (Paolo), Rosalia (Carmelo), and Caterina (Giulio). She is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Appolonia and Pina, her three children, many nieces and nephews, and close friends.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the medical team on 9A and ICU at Toronto Western Hospital for their loving and supportive care. Thanks as well to Cardinal Funeral Home for their services. The family asks those in attendance to wear a mask. The visitation for Anna will be held at Cardinal Funeral Home on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 pm The funeral mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 72 Mansfield Avenue, Toronto on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 10 am.

Donations are gratefully accepted to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in memory of Anna.

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