Addolorata Civitarese
September 9, 1925 – January 7, 2018

Addolorata (Delia) Civitarese, beloved wife of Antonio, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2018 surrounded by her children. Delia was born in San Leonardo, Chieti on September 9, 1925. Delia and Tony grew up in the same town in Italy. She grew up caring for her immediate family as the only daughter in the family not being able to complete her schooling. Although they knew each other as children, Delia and Tony came to be married after four years of courtship on December 26, 1948. In September 1949, Delia and Tony welcomed their first child Liviana. In 1950 Tony immigrated to Canada. Delia and Livi soon followed in 1952. Delia traveled with Tony to Fernie and Galloway, BC where she set up home, cooked and cared for Tony and Livi. The family then moved to Trail, BC where their second child, Ugo was born, then moved to Nordegg and later settled in Calgary where the third child, Marco was born.

Tony was the head of the family but Delia was the heart of the family. She showed her love through her talent of cooking. She was a master of the kitchen with her delicious sauces, pasta, pizza, bread, and special cookies. Delia loved to gather and celebrate over a meal with family and friends. Whether weddings, births, baptisms or Christmas, Delia loved a reason to celebrate. She loved to cook and bake but most of all to share what she created with family and friends. She was able to feed a crowd with a moments notice no matter how many people showed up. Delia will be remembered for the love she had for her family and giving nature. Delia was very proud of her children but even more so of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved each and every one of them and was so excited at the arrival of each one. Delia would never turn down an opportunity to babysit.

Delia created a home that was inviting to all. She had an infectious smile and laugh and could always be found in the kitchen at the stove with an apron on. Her home always smelled of espresso, fresh bread or sauce depending on the day or time you visited. Even through the past few very difficult years with her memory failing she would still ask all visitors if they had eaten.

Delia loved to travel back to Italy to visit family and friends. She loved the beach, the market, and the familiarity with recipes from the past. Delia was a strong woman to leave Italy with a small daughter and travel across the ocean to be with Tony. It was difficult going to an unknown country with a different language and no other family. Delia, along with Tony, helped many friends and families who came to Canada under similar circumstances.

She loved music and loved to dance. God has called her name and now Delia and Tony will dance in eternity.

Delia was predeceased by her husband Antonio and will be missed by her daughter Liviana Cardone (Gerry), her sons Ugo (Suzanne) and Marco (Maria), her grandchildren Remo Cardone (Jennifer), Lora Dunford (Clayton), Tina Cardone (Jeff Yaneza), Peter Civitarese (Carma), Jason Civitarese (Kyla), Carrie Dharamsi (Al), David Civitarese (Samy), Andrea Civitarese (Ricky), and her great grandchildren Martina, Christian and Anthony Cardone, Eric and Emma Dunford, Jordan, Peyton, and Carter Civitarese, Kaleb and Lucas Dharamsi, and Milena Yaneza. She will also be missed by her sister-in-law Organia Civitarese and along with many other family and friends in Italy. Delia was predeceased by her parents Ciro and Felicia Civitarese and her brothers Pasqualino and Antonio.

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers at the Prince of Peace Harbour for their unending compassion and care to Delia and to our family. Our family would like to extend a special thanks to Florin, who constantly provided support and guidance through difficult times. Your kindness and compassion touched us all. Thank you also to Dr. Cheema.

Delia has left a mark on all of our lives. Mamma, Nonna, we will love you and will remember you always.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish (1714-14th Avenue NE) on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 10:30 am with tributes at 10:00 am. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Delia may be made to HBI's Dementia and Cognitive Disorders NeuroTeam Please note that donations are processed through the University of Calgary, so cheques must be made payable to the University of Calgary, with HBI - Dementia noted in the memo section. Cheques can be mailed to:
Attention: Laureen Jensen
Hotchkiss Brain Institute
University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine
HRIC 1A10, 3330 Hospital Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 4N1
https://netcommunity.ucalgary.ca/deliacivitarese

To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Delia, please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.