In Loving Memory of Anna Cistarelli

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and nonna, Anna Cistarelli, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. She was surrounded by the love and comfort of lots of family by her side.

Anna was born on October 28, 1935, in Catania, Sicily, Italy. In June 1956, she courageously ventured to Canada in search of a better life. In Winnipeg, she met the love of her life, Luigi, whom she married on June 21,1958 beginning a beautiful life together.

Anna and Luigi raised a loud, proud, loving Canadian-Italian family, instilling in their children the importance of family, hard work, resilience, and love. She was the cherished mother of Maria (Brian), Pietrina (Gary), Giuseppe (Beverly), and Laura (Don).

Anna also shared a special bond with her mother-in-law, Maria, who lived with the family for 34 years. Together they cooked fabulous Italian meals and created annual traditions to make Italian sausages, roast red peppers, bottle tomato puree and bake sweet treats from the old country. 

She was the proud, loving Nonna to eight grandchildren: Kelsey, Garrett, Alexa, Brooke, Jordan, Donovan, Matthew, and Madison. Her grandchildren brought her immense joy, and her love for them will live on in the many memories they carry in their hearts.

Anna was a beautiful strong woman. She was an incredible walker who easily took 10 km strolls, enjoyed gardening, singing, dancing, bingo, 'glamping at the Big O (Oasis)' and treasured the many travel adventures shared with family and friends. She was an avid Jets fan and she celebrated her 90th birthday with a fantastic home game seat accompanied by her children and grandchildren.

She embraced life with enthusiasm and enjoyed her last three years as an active senior at River Ridge, where she made many new friends, participated in activities, and continued to share her warm spirit and love of life with those around her.

Anna was predeceased by her beloved husband Luigi; her parents (Agatino & Pietra D'Antonio); mother-in-law (Maria) and her five sisters and brothers (Angelina, Salvatore, Giovanna, Giuseppe, Maria).

She leaves behind a legacy of courage, strength, love, and family. From the young, beautiful woman who bravely left Sicily in 1956 to the wife, mother, nonna, sister, and friend who built a life filled with love, Anna’s journey was one of remarkable resilience and devotion.

Her family will forever be grateful for the life she built, the sacrifices she made, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered, always ... Anna bella !

Sempre nei nostri cuori  ❤

Thank you to Dr George, the medical staff and the spiritual team at Grace Hospital. Mom passed following a fall that sustained serious brain injury. The care and support she received to her final breath was so very much appreciated by her family.

The service will take place at Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Avenue, on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with a preceding viewing at 10:00 a.m.  A reception will follow, followed by the burial.at Assumption Cemetery at 3990 Portage Ave.

In lieu of flowers, for those wishing, donations may be made in Anna's memory to her charity of choice, the Manitoba Kidney Foundation.

Livestream link: https://youtube.com/live/F8K0Ky7fWWc?feature=share