Maria passed away with family by her side on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, at the age of 92 years. 

Maria was predeceased by her loving husband, Michele, in 2008. Maria is survived by her children Rocco “Toni” (Dianne) and Rudy (Carla). She is survived by her grandchildren Matthew, Kiara (James) Cook, Tyler (Oksana) and Carleena (Adam). Maria had five great-grandchildren, Robert, Summer, Callum, Amelia and Luca. Maria was also survived by her sisters, Rosa Nardi, Gina Vadachinno, and Maria Chilelli, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles, both in Canada and Italy.

Maria was born in San Bartolo, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, on December 20, 1932, the daughter of the late Antonio Cavaliere and Rosario Chilelli. Maria’s childhood was greatly impacted by World War II. Her father was captured early in the war and was away from his family for seven years while they struggled. Maria was pulled out of school in grade three to help her mother care for her toddler sister and newborn baby sister while her mom worked hard to support her family. This hardship forged Maria’s commitment to hard work and unselfish sacrifice for the sake of her family.

When Maria was 24, she was introduced to her future husband Michele, by her Aunt Susan in Canada. He took an interest in her after seeing a photo of her, and they began to correspond. Michele sponsored and supported her immigration to Canada, and they married shortly after she arrived. In Winnipeg, she was reunited with a number of her relatives from Italy and was soon joined by her parents and siblings.

After Maria had her two sons, she was determined to give them a better childhood and brighter future, so she made the decision to start working in a coat factory. She dedicated her life to her family, and together with Michele they prospered and provided their family with security along with unlimited love, support and guidance.

Maria was most well-known for being an incredible cook. She took joy in preparing genuine Calabrian meals that were savoured by her family and friends. In her later years, she loved spending time in the kitchen with her grandchildren. She would lovingly teach them all the fundamentals of Italian cooking and pass down her prized recipes. 

Maria’s other passion was gardening, she believed it was really important to nurture and grow her own food. She relied on her harvest to provide the ingredients that added so much genuine Italian flavour to her meals, especially her tomato sauce.

She will be missed by all that loved her and will remain in their hearts forever.