Peacefully, at Sunnybrook Hospital, PCU in Toronto on Wednesday May 13, 2020 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Carmela is survived by her loving daughters Roberta (Brent), Anna (Jay), her sister Maria, brother Anello (Hennie), grandsons Michael, Jacob and Adam and many nieces and nephews. Born in Lago, Cosenza Italy, is predeceased by her parents Alberto and Giuseppina. Memorial donations to the Durham Region Hospice (www.durhamregionhospice.ca) would be greatly appreciated. A mass memorial will be held at an appropriate time once restrictions are lifted. Our sincere gratitude to Sunnybrook Odette Centre, PCU nurses, staff and Chaplin; her Oncologists; and home palliative care team. A special thank you to her home nurse Debbie.

Her extended family was a big source of pride to Carmela. The vast number of cousins, near and far, were more like “brothers and sisters” to her and she loved you all deeply. We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of love and kindness from her friends. She loved all her girlfriends and treasured your friendship and support. A special thank you to her great neighbours for their special friendship with her and looking out for her over the years.

Carmela will always be remembered for her larger than life personality, laughter, singing and dancing and love of travel and the beach. Her passion for acting on stage or on screen, big or small is how we will remember her. She always made us laugh because we knew she wasn’t really acting-- it was Carmela being herself.

“There is no greater love than the love you have for your mother, and there is no greater loss than when she leaves and goes to heaven”


Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”