Maria Grosso

To watch the recording of the Mass of Christian Burial for Maria please click HERE.

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of our cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Maria Grosso, who left us peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at the age of 91. She was born in Casacalenda, Molise, Italy on January 12, 1934. She is survived and deeply missed by her husband of 68 years, Michele (Mike) Grosso and their three children, Josie (Jim) Duffus, Serafino (Sandy) Grosso and Tina (Frank) Roberto; her cherished grandchildren, Michael and Marena (Ryan) Duffus, Jenica (Adam), Anthony, Samuel and Sidney Grosso, Marissa (Francisco) and Vito Roberto; great-grandson Jacob Roberto; her sister Teresa Odorico Domokos and sister-in-law Angelina Zelantini, along with numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, Maria Concetta and Nicola Zelantini, brothers Giovanni and Domenico Zelantini and sister Maddalena Stellitano. She was a woman of extraordinary strength and quiet grace, the heart and foundation of our family, a quiet force who shaped our lives with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. She was our compass, our comfort, and our joy. She faced life's challenges with resilience and an unshakable spirit. She made countless sacrifices so we could thrive, always putting her family first. She learned to sew at a young age, later attended sewing school in Italy and quickly discovered a passion that would follow her throughout her life. In 1961, she bravely immigrated to Saskatoon with her husband Mike and two young children. She was determined to build a better life for her family, leaving behind everything familiar to embrace her new life with only a heart full of dreams and her skilled hands.  These skilled hands sewed countless dresses for some of the Italian women in the community, as well as cherished communion and confirmation dresses for generations of children. Her loving hands stitched not just fabric, but memories into every thread. Even into her 80s, her entrepreneurial spirit bloomed as she created Apronella Aprons, sewing each apron by hand and selling them and scrunchies in a boutique on 2nd Avenue-an inspiring testament to her lifelong creativity and work ethic. She also worked at St. Paul's Hospital in the Laundry Department for over 25 years. She was never happier than when she was cooking, baking, sewing or gardening-expressing her love through fresh bread, delicious pizza, beautifully baked biscotti and S cookies, perfect pasta and luscious lasagna. Everything she made was a reflection of her soul, comforting, beautiful, and made to bring people together. She made us laugh until we cried and gave her love freely and fully, shaping our lives with every meal, every story, every hug. Her legacy is one of love, perseverance, creativity, and unwavering devotion. Her home was always open, her table always full, and her heart always generous, sharing food with family, friends and neighbours. She leaves behind a family that adored her and we are so grateful for every moment, every lesson, and the immeasurable gift of having been loved by her. Mom, you were our safe place, our laughter, and our home. We will miss you beyond words, but we carry you with us always-in our hearts, in our hands, and in everything we do.  Ciao Mamma, ti vogliamo bene!

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 10 A.M. at The Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon, SK. with Father Stefano Penna presiding. Internment at Woodlawn Cemetery will follow the mass.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Maria's name can be made to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan or St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church Renovation Fund.