In the sanctity of her beloved home, our dear Mother and Grandmother, Fortunata Barresi (nee Coppolino) passed away peacefully on the morning of March 21. Nata would have celebrated her 95th birthday on Easter Sunday, April 12. Born in Toronto in 1925, Nata is the daughter of Concetta (nee Scime) and Gabriel Coppolino. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Dominic Barresi who passed away in 1995. She is also predeceased by her sisters and best friends, Anne (Annie), her husband Joseph Altilia and Yolanda (Yolie) Coppolino. Survived by her dear brother Andrew Coppolino and his wife Anne. Nata was the most wonderful and loving Mother to her 5 children: Jamie, JoAnne (Mark Clem) Connie Verhaeghe, Teresa (Steve Wunder) and Michele (Ralph May). She was a caring and inspiring Grandmother and step Grandmother to Ashleigh, James, Nicola (Zak), Briana, Taylor (Andrew), Christopher, Emily, Rachelle, Paul and Jacob. Cherished Great Grandmother to a beautiful boy, Dominic Bannerman, named after his Grandfather. She will be sadly missed by her nieces and nephews including Andrew, Nancy, Carol, Andrew, Michael, Marc and Laura and their families. Our Mother’s life and legacy can only be described as truly remarkable, inspired by unwavering love for her family, friends and God. As the oldest in her family, Mom became a ‘Mom’ at the young age of 10 when her father passed away suddenly, and her own dear Mother had to work long hours to support her young family. The work ethic and frugality that she learned at that time carried on through a lifetime of giving, caring, creativity and selfless love. In 1955, she married our dear Father and together they had 5 kids in quick succession, including twins – a ‘surprise’ to both of them at the time. Our home was filled with love, laughter – and, of course, food. There was always a pot on the stove, some baked goods to be delivered to a neighbour or donated to the church bazaar, some clothing in need of mending for her family, from a kid in the neighbourhood or a child at the school where she worked as a secretary. She was known as B or simply as a second Mom to many. Nata volunteered with many charitable organizations and was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League for years. She loved being part of her church community and even in her last few months she would count the days and hours until it was time to attend mass again. To her 5 kids and their families she was an amazing, selfless, inspiring woman who taught us the meaning of courage and resilience. To her grandchildren she was the ‘Queen’. She taught all of us the true meaning of family – always at our side, organizing a gathering and cooking a fabulous Italian meal. She truly embodied the spirit that we were put on this earth to ‘make something better, or to make someone better”. She will be sadly missed by many, but we will continue to feel her love and spirit in everything we do. To honour our Mother and knowing that she had so many friends and family who would want to pay their respects we would love to have Funeral visitations and a Church mass. But, given the current circumstances, we will have a private ceremony on Tuesday, March 24 followed by a burial at St Augustine’s Cemetery. We sincerely regret that we have to limit the visitation to invitation only. A celebration of life, including a mass, is planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your local food bank or charitable organization that supports families in need.
905-628-6412
info@turnerfh.ca
So sorry for your loss. She was such a lovely person. It always warmed my heart to see her blush when Rod would call her “Sexy lady” 🙂
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Pamela & Rod
Your mother was always present at every event, celebration, sports activity, gathering. It was clear that she was the epicentre of your family. I was honoured to have met her on several of the family get togethers. Having lost my mom just shy of one year ago, I understand the loss you are feeling. But in this time of Covid-19, not being able to celebrate her with a Catholic Mass and burial is very sad. Just know the Hayes Family are thinking about you.
Scott and Kathy, Greg, Taylre and Devon.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful and inspiring woman
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your mom was a beautiful soul, may she Rest In Peace.
Stay strong and cherish all your wonderful memories.
My condolences to you and your family JoAnne. May she RIP. Her legacy lives on through all of you.
My deepest condolences JoAnne and to you family. She will live on forever in your hearts.
So very sorry to read of Nata’s passing. She was very much loved as our Secretary by the students,staff and community of St. Bernadette’s School. Our deepest condolences to her family. May she Rest In Peace.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Having lived 33 years, and raised our 4 children across the street, we have many wonderful memories of both your mom and dad. Your mom was “Mrs. B.” to our family and will be remembered as a great and loving lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Vince and Carol Lomanto
Michele, Deepest condolences to you and all your family. She sounds like she was quite a lady. You are all in our prayers.
Richard Gallant
JoAnne and Family
So sorry for the loss of your Mom ! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time
Kathy and Gaspare Bonomo
To all of Nana’s family, we are keeping you in our thoughts as you go through this difficult and heartbreaking time. Thank you for sharing her amazing life story. ❤️
To the the Barresi family
My condolences to you all on the passing of Nata. Nata and my mom, Geraldine Shapiro, were long time friends first meeting as young women when they both worked in my grandfathers medical office in Toronto. Your mom remained a valued friend to my mom over the decades of their lives.
May her memory be a blessing
My heart and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time. Your Mother (grandmother) was a constant in her love and support to her family and friends. Her values and ideals live on in the hearts and lives of her children.
Nata was a treasure. So many good family times with her.
Vicky awaits to welcome her.
Jamie, to you and your entire family, I offer my condolences and prayers.
JoAnne and family,
Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve.
Miki & Kriszti
Sincere condolences to the whole Barresi clan. ” Mrs B” was a remarkably warm and caring individual who shepherded a whole generation of Brentwood tykes (and parents!)
Dear Nata’s family & friends:
Nata Barresi a wonderful caring person was my mother Nata’s cousin and friend.
Nata was instrumental in helping my mother navigate the difficulties of adapting to a new culture once she arrived in Dundas from Sicily, Italy in 1955.
Nata was always available for my mom and always appreciated.
Every religious holiday would not be the same without the baking exchange of delicious treats both Italian and Canadian.
I fondly remember the knitted slippers a fine knitter and seamstress.
Nata Barresi will be sadly missed by our family.
Our deepest Condolesences
Fortunata Fazio & family
Dear JoAnne and Family My thoughts and prayers are with you
at this time
Nata was a loving mother and a true friend of mine.
Elizabeth Dilworth
Your mother was always a pillar of support and very loving to her family and everyone she met. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Heather and Gary Polyoka
Our deepest condolences. In reading about your mother, it’s so clear that her spirit and traditions are present in your homes and way of doing things. Her values of family and happiness live on in you all every day.
Love Justin & Amanda
Such a beautiful tribute to your Mother.She would have been so proud. She was truly a loving,caring and blessed woman.To her family may you find comfort in God’s promise of Eternal Life. Carman and Helen
My deepest condolences Jamie
Jo, to you and your family please accept our condolences on your loss. I know your Mom meant the world to you. A good long life surrounded by her loving brood. Not bad! With warm thoughts, Sandra, Davis, John and Chris Carroll
Growing up across the street from the Barresi family was a blessing. We all loved Mrs. B at the time, but it is only looking back that I really appreciate how fortunate we were to have such a warm and generous neighbour. Our condolences and love to everyone in the family.
Will really miss you, prayers and condolences.
Liam, Sarah, Theresa & Marie Russell
So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Be safe.
Beth and John Genovese
I will always remember Mrs. Barresi as a port in the storm of elementary school. She was warm & kind, always with a ready smile. The best secretary St. Bernadette’s ever had. <3
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family Joanne .
Cherish in the many memories of your beloved mother , she lives on in all of you !
Thinking of you .
Nata was a wonderful friend for more than a half century.
For every special occasion there was Italian cookies , a cake or some delicious bread.
As a KnitWit she contributed lots of ideas, and advice to us, while producing her lovely handmade gifts for her family and friends. As a school secretary Nata mothered and shepherded many little children in her kindly, no-nonsense way. Always a person of humour, Nata had a great way of looking at all of lifes situations. A unique woman, she will live on in her wonderful family, not only in memory , but in the way they are all continuing in her ways.
Sending our condolences to all of you. Your mom was such a lovely,caring,giving person. Lots of fond memories from growing up in our neighbourhood. My mom has such wonderful memories of how your mom always gave her time selflessly to help out. She remembers the baked “braid” that we received and enjoyed.
Prayers for you all at this time. May God bless you and give you strength.
So sorry for your loss, we will be thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Take care ,
Kathleen and Patrick Manente
We are so sorry for your loss. Nata was truly a very caring person. She always stopped to share a smile; to chat and sincerely inquire after all of our family. She touched so many lives in such positive caring ways. She will be missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.
We hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
Phil, Mary Linda and Lee Burgess.
We are so sorry for your loss Natta will never be forgotten . My Mom would take me with her to visit aften. May she rest in peace. thoughts and prayers for all
Nancy Cathcart
Brittany, Meghan Jeckell
JoAnne , Taylor and family,
My deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your mother/ grandmother. My prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May your mother Rest In Peace
Grace Bonta
A beautiful woman, a pillar of strength and resilience, who was always at the loving centre of her family. We are privileged to have known her, and we offer our most heartfelt condolences to Connie and the entire Baressi family at her passing. We are certain she is being held in the loving arms of God and is reunited in spirit with Mr. Baressi. We will never forget the ease of her smile and laugh, even in these latest years where she was most physically struggling. Our family still lovingly puts the handmade ornaments on our Christmas tree that were made by Mrs. Baressi as a CWL member creating items for the St Augustine Bazaar! With much love and continued prayers for healing, Dan and Debbie Bowman and Family
What wonderful memories of Mrs B. Always warm and welcoming, making each child in the neighborhood feel so appreciated and loved. Her warmth along with her phenomenal baked goods are a wonderful childhood memory. Sending my condolences and love her her family.
Abbiamo saputo solo ora. Ci dispiace tantissimo e la ricordiamo con affetto anche per i bei momenti trascorsi insieme qui in Italia.
Sentite condoglianze alla famiglia.
Cristina, Pierangelo, Amedeo.
Ci è giunta la notizia della scomparsa della cugina Nata dopo quasi un anno dall’evento. Siamo profondamente dispiaciuti, ma ci rimarrà per sempre il ricordo dei bei momenti passati in Italia insieme e dello stupendo carattere solare di nostra cugina! Con un abbraccio ci stringiamo e ci uniamo al vostro dolore.
Terzaghi Aldo (figlio di Pina Scimè) e famiglia.