Obituary of Maria Pia Cocozzoli

COCOZZOLI, Maria Pia – On Thursday, July  29, 2021, at the age of 80, Maria died peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer, with her loving family at her side. Maria was the beloved wife of the late Ernesto (1980). She was the devoted mother of Saverio (Cathy), Lily and Pasquale Cocozzoli.  Adored Nonna of Melissa (Anthony) Iafrate, Ernie (Johanna) Cocozzoli, and Jessica (Chris) Dundee. Loving Great-Nonna to Ariana and Olivia. Maria will be sadly missed by her brother Augusto (Fiorina) Lancia, her sisters-in-law Armandina (late Pietro) Lupi, and Maria (late Angelo) Cocozzoli, as well as, many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Maria was predeceased by her parents Saverio and Ida Lancia and an infant sister Maria.  Her mother and father-in-law Domenico and Santina Cocozzoli and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Vitaliano and Lisa Cocozzoli.

Maria was born in Broccostella, Frosinone, Italy.  It was there in 1961, she married the love of her life, Ernesto. Two months later, they embarked on their voyage to Canada, where they would settle and raise their family. Maria loved telling stories and when asked if she was scared to move to a foreign country with her new husband, she would say “he was the love of my life and he was taking me to ‘the land of opportunity’”. The primary focus of Maria’s life was her family.  She thrived on serving and spending quality time with her family. She was a selfless women who always thought of others first. She was most happy when everyone was together and she demonstrated this through her passion for hosting family and friends and ensuring that everyone was always well fed. She had an incredible ability to prepare a seven course meal by herself on a single stove, while talking on the phone. Over the last year, she continued to cook incredible meals through her version of “Skeep da deesh”, where she delivered meals to each of her grandkids. Maria was very involved in her community.  Everyone knew Maria could be counted on for her hard work and dedication when she committed herself to something.  She took great pride in hosting events for the Italian community and was known for her sell-out Pasta Fests, successful pensioner picnics and her compassion for helping anyone in need. She enjoyed spending time with friends at the Bocciofila, playing cards, playing slots at the Casino, gardening, and chauffeuring her friends who couldn’t drive on many trips around town. Maria was always there to provide encouragement and support to her friends and family when they needed it.

Special thanks to the members of Maria’s extended family and all her friends who came to visit and spend time with her during her illness and before she passed away.

We would like to thank Dr. Maddison, the entire Palliative Care Team, Imelda and the Bayshore Nursing Staff for all the compassion and care they showed our mom during this very difficult time.

Visitation will be held at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 N. Christina St., Sarnia on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Due to the restrictions of Covid 19, a private family Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Benedict’s Church, Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 10 a.m. The mass is by invitation only, but will be livestreamed on St. Benedict's Church YouTube channel. Entombment Our Lady of Mercy Mausoleum. Please note that masks/face coverings are mandatory and maximum visitors at one time and social distancing will be strictly enforced. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 475 N. Christina St., N7T 5W3 or the Canadian Cancer Society, 55 St. Clair Avenue W., Suite 300, Toronto, ON M4V 2Y7. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com