Maria Lo Re

In loving memory of Maria Lo Re (née Vancardo), who passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on July 9th, 2026. Born on December 23rd, 1939 in Palermo, the eldest daughter of Salvatore Vancardo and Caterina Calderone, Maria’s characteristic responsibility and care for her family came at an early age. As a teenager she was instrumental in helping her family emigrate from the family home in Casteltermini, Sicily, to Châtelet Belgium, where she met her eventual husband, Vincenzo Lo Re. Maria and Vincenzo later moved to Canada in 1957, where their children Ann Marie, Cathy, and Peter were born.

As with many Italian immigrants at the time, Maria had to work exceptionally hard, raising her children and helping provide for a bustling inter-generational home that welcomed and housed all family members. Maria transitioned effortlessly between speaking Sicilian at home, and learning French, English, and Portuguese for her new life working as an immigrant in Belgium and Canada.

Maria lived for her family - first as a caring and hardworking mother, wife, daughter, and aunt - and then later in life as a devoted Nonna to her seven grandchildren: Joshua, Marcus, Eli, Alessandra, Andrea, Michela, and Stefano. Her grandchildren were her greatest source of pride and joy. She revelled in spending time with them as much as possible, showering them constantly with love and gifts (as well as vast quantities of her famous arancini, meatballs, panzerotti, and sweets). She loved nothing more than seeing her family and sharing her favourite stories about her grandchildren to anyone who would listen. The matriarch and nucleus of a large extended family, she would extend this same warmth and attention to dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins she nurtured.

When she wasn’t busy tirelessly catering to the needs of her family, she lived life to her fullest. She visited her family in Sicily often, travelled to Portugal and Rome, and even saw the Holy Land in Israel with her church. When she moved to Casa Del Zotto, she made long and lasting friendships and was a staple volunteer at events in the Italian-Canadian community.

One of the last of her generation, she has finally reunited with her husband Vincenzo, siblings Sarina and Vince, her parents, and countless other loved ones in the wide family net she cast. She leaves a legacy of generosity, service, and love that will carry forward for generations, and not be soon forgotten.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the exemplary and compassionate care provided by the staff at the Intensive Care Unit of the Humber River Hospital in her final days.