Obituary of Eva Rita Persia
Peacefully, on December 31, 2024, our sweet and gentle mother, Eva Rita Persia (nee Rizzuto), passed away at the age of 87.
Her unwavering devotion to her family and the ability to find joy in even the most difficult moments in life are a testament to her devotion of faith and an inspiration to those who knew her and were witness to her kindness and love. Mom captured the hearts of all who cared for her with her infectious laugh and was an example of God’s love through her work life at the NCDSB and her charity work through St. Alfreds Church in the Catholic Women’s League, St Vincent de Paul Society and the Out of the Cold program. Her faith was paramount to her character, and it showed in the ways she loved and gave to those in need regardless of their worldly attachments or struggles. You did not need to be family to understand or experience her giving nature and sense of compassion for people, she just exuded peace and goodness, and her spirit was a beacon of light to anyone who needed her.
She had a distinct way of providing strength and guidance without judgement and her unassuming nature was a sense of calm throughout the storms of life. Mom was deeply loved by her children Rosalie (Mike Young) , Ralph (Laura) , Teresa (Ted) and grandchildren Michael, Mikayla, Anthony, Alex, Emma & Abby and had the honor of becoming a great-grandmother to Paisley. The many stories and experiences we have shared with mom through her years will continue to warm our hearts and bring us laughter and comfort as we continue to forever honor her memory.
However difficult this may be for all of us who mourn we can only imagine the rejoicing as she enters the kingdom of heaven reunited with her husband, our father Ralph, for whom she shared over 50 years with and has been lovingly missing for the past 16 years. They will once again be together forever, inseparable no longer. Also waiting to receive her in heaven will be her mother, Rosina (nee Tucci), father, Anthony Rizzuto, along with her siblings, Ceasar Rizzuto, Armand (Pauline) Rizzuto, Emma (Joe) Lomano and Mary Beckerley, as her family reunites together once again.
There undoubtedly will be a feast awaiting her in heaven accompanied by her mother and father-in-law Loreta (nee Allegretti) and Elia Persia and brothers & sisters-in-law Sesta Persia, Amelia (Mario) Dosa, Carmela Petrella, Fred Persia, Elfino Spadafora and Sam Sacco.
She will remain fondly remembered by her sisters-in-law Barbara Sacco (Lenny), Lisa Persia, Anna Spadafora, and brothers-in-law Guido (Marissa) Persia and Vittorio Petrella, along with many nieces and nephews.
The care, dignity and support offered by the staff and caregivers at Heritage Place Pleasant Manor throughout the years and in Mom's last days brought us comfort, and we will forever be grateful for making her remaining years peaceful.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, January 3rd, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Vigil prayers at 7pm. A funeral mass will be held the following day, Saturday, January 4th, at 11am at St. Alfred Church, 272 Vine Street, St. Catharines. Following the mass, guests are welcome back to the funeral home for a light lunch and celebration of Eva's life. A private entombment for family will take place at a later time.
In leu of flowers, donations in Eva's memory can be made to Diabetes Canada or The Alzheimer Society.
View the livestream of Eva's funeral mass: