In memory of

Maria Grazia Francia

February 24, 1930 -  December 6, 2017

Maria Grazia Francia (nee Lancia) passed away on Wednesday, December 6th at Villa Forum Long Term Care Residence. Maria's family thank the amazing and compassionate caregivers and nursing staff who looked after their mother during her time at Villa Forum. They cared for her with loving hearts and strong backs, and her family will be eternally grateful.

Maria was born on February 24th, 1930 in Sora, Italy to Luigi and Lucia Lancia, one of two daughters and five sons. She emigrated to Canada in 1951 and there met her future husband, Nick. With him she built a life and a family. All the while, she remembered the difficult times she, her parents and siblings endured during the war, but also there were memories of the many happy days of her youth.

Maria was pre-deceased by her husband, Nick and siblings Teresa, Vincenzo, Antonio and Ercolino. She is survived by her loving children Lucy (Bob), Diana (Gus), Ron (Helen) and much adored grandchildren - Nick, Daniel (Ashley) Michael (Thalles), Stefan, Ryan, Alyson and Dylan. She also leaves behind her much loved brothers Giovanni (Elsa), Domenic (Giulia) and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation is taking place at The Simple Alternative, 1535 South Gateway Road in Mississauga on Sunday, December 17th between one and five p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's name to either the Cancer or Alzheimer's Societies would be appreciated. Cremation has taken place and the burial will take place in Spring 2018.

Guestbook 

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GINA & TOM DYOS-SULYMA (FRIEND)

Entered December 10, 2017 from TORONTO, ON

Dear Lucy, Diana, Ron and your Families;
Tom and I are greatly saddened to hear of your mothers passing. We know you all loved her dearly and this is one of the most difficult times a child goes through. She was the first face you saw and loved. Losing a parent is so hard to put into words. You all should be very proud as you were always there for your Mother and we are quite sure that she knew and could feel that in her heart.
Going back a few decades here…I met your Mother, the lovely Maria who was at that time “Mrs Francia” to me. You see, it was 1971 and I was only a young girl of 16 and a high school friend to her daughter Lucy. In those days it just wasn’t appropriate to call your friends’ mother by her first name. BUT, as the years went by and we all grew older, Mrs Francia became “Maria” to me. Lucy, Maria and I spent many hours sitting in her kitchen having tea and a few nibbles, she was always so hospitable and I always enjoyed our visits. Of course she loved to take me on a tour of her large and lovely garden. It was quite obvious she had a ‘green thumb’ and took pride in her garden..and rightly so! The three of us would always have wonderful chats and Maria always managed to make me laugh. I sometimes noticed this little twinkle in her eyes when she laughed. It was as if this older woman had this young playful girl inside. That’s how I saw her and every time I picture her now, it’s with that twinkle in her eye and in her garden smiling.
Cherish your memories and remember your Mother is just a memory away. We know she is looking down on all of you and thinking what lovely Children, Spouses and Grand-Children she had and one day you will all meet again.
Sending much Love and Sincere Sympathy to all of you at this very difficult time.
Gina & Tom Dyos-Sulyma. Toronto, ON.

Silvana Ferrin (Friend)

Entered December 11, 2017 from Mississauga

Condolences

Silvana Ferrin

lisa and rob leuschner (friend)

Entered December 12, 2017

our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beautiful mother. our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. with much love, the leuschner family

Robert Faraone (family friend)

Entered December 15, 2017 from Mississauga

never forgotten

Lucy Lorello ( nee Lancia) (second cousin)

Entered December 16, 2017 from Toronto, Ontario

Dear Lucy, Diana & Ron. although we have never met, I have memories of your dear mother, as we all were born in the same group of houses in San Marciano, Sora. My late father Raffaele. Lancia and mother Rosina Lancia were very close to your mother and her sister and all her brothers, here and in Italy. On behalf of my brothers and I, we send our most sincere condolenses. May God be with you all at this time and always. Sincerely Lucy Lorello

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