"La madre è il cuore della famiglia e il suo amore è la forza che tiene tutto insieme.” “The mother is the heart of the family, and her love is the force that holds everything together.”
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Beatrice, who left us peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at the Sault Area Hospital on Friday, February 21, 2025. She is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Settimio of 54 wonderful years. Dear cherished mother of Joe (Joanne) and Mike (Caroline) of London. Treasured Nonna of Julia, Josie (fiancé Robert), Matthew and Daniel of London. She is daughter of the late Michele and the late Adelina Giglio (Filosa) of Italy and daughter-in-law of the late Giuseppe and the late Peppina Mancuso (Caruso) of Italy. Beatrice will be fondly remembered by her brothers, the late Antonio Giglio (Elvira) of Italy and Peppino Giglio (friend Tina) and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Carmen Mancuso (Titina), late Ottavio Mancuso (late Margaret), late Giovanni Mancuso (late Filomena) of Italy, late Francesco Mancuso (late Teresina) of Italy, late Luigi Mancuso (late Menuzza) of Italy, late Marietta Ferraro (late Michele) of Italy, late Salvatore Mancuso (late Finuzza), late Antonio Mancuso of Italy and late Alberto Mancuso (late Marietta) of Italy. She will be sadly missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Beatrice was born June 12, 1930 in Paterno Calabro, Italy. Growing up she helped bake bread and learned about cooking and baking from her mother and grandmother, without using any recipes. She didn’t have to go far to find the love of her life for he lived right next door. In 1957, she came to Canada and soon after, on December 28, 1958, she married her sweetheart, Settimio. Her little brother, Peppino arrived in Sault Ste. Marie when he was 11 years old and from then on, they were simply inseparable. She always had him by her side, and she was a wonderful sister but raised him more like a mother. She started her new life in Sault Ste. Marie, living in Bayview with her devoted husband. In 1959, their first son, Joe, was born and two years later Mike joined the Mancuso family. Beatrice, Settimio and Peppino owned and operated their family business, Mancuso’s Meat Market on Goulais Avenue. They were kind and very trustworthy as they helped out many new immigrant customers by giving them credit to pay off their groceries in one month. They also ran a store together on Second Line called Cortina Confectionary. Beatrice leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and unwavering support that enriched the lives of all who knew her. She will be remembered for her incredible culinary skills, which included creating her famous gnocchi, ravioli and lasagna and making homemade bread and taralli, well into her 90’s. During the Christmas season she made turdilli and scalilli that always brought families together. She did beautiful crochet work, embroidery as well as knit. She made blankets, pillows, table doilies and even knitted slippers for her chairs. At her communal oven in Paterno her family would bake bread for her “paesani" and she tended to her garden and thriving fig trees with love and care at her home in Sault Ste. Marie. Beatrice was especially devoted to her grandchildren, Matthew, Daniel, Julia and Josie who brought her immeasurable joy and pride. Nonna’s house was their favourite place to visit for some “pastasciutta” and her grandkids never left without her giving them some money. She loved spending time with her family whether it was watching Italian shows together such as “C’è Posta Per Te”, “Tempesta D’Amore” or “Grande Fratello”, making homemade sausage or celebrating the tradition of Christmas Eve dinner which involved 13 courses and ended with roasting chestnuts. Over the years she enjoyed entertaining friends and visitors with her delicious baking and always shared a cup or six cups of coffee depending on the number of visits they had throughout the day. Even after her husband passed away, family friends Franca and Aldo Spizzirri came for regular visits to share in each other’s company and reminisce about the good old days. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and nurturing nature will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Her dear neighbours, Comare Giulia and Compare Giovanni Diodati were more than close friends and Giulia was truly like a sister to her. From offering a helping hand during difficult times to bringing over home-cooked meals, to calling her daily to check in when her brother was away, to sharing countless moments of conversation and laughter while sitting outside her house, to making sure she got some fresh air when it was hard for her to do so. Giulia was a true friend and a constant presence in Beatrice’s life. Her family is forever grateful for the love and care these neighbours gave her over the years while living on Cooper Street. Another recognition of a caring friend is Jimmy Pedatella who immediately made himself ready to lend a helping hand in fulfilling any of Beatrice’s needs. Special mention must be made to Peppino’s friend, Tina Guillory for all the personal care she gave Beatrice, for often assisting in baking and cooking and for freely making herself available to do or get anything she needed. We appreciate the thoughtfulness and kindness of all her friends for what they did for our mother, sister and Nonna. Mille grazie a tutti.
Beatrice was a remarkable woman whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she met. She will be remembered as a quiet, sweet and gentle soul who was always willing to help out others in need. We will never forget the twinkle in her eyes, her beautiful smile and her sweet laughter.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road, 705-945-7758) on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service in the Chapel at 12:00 noon with Father Charles Abiamiri officiating. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations be made to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation.
Special thanks for the care that was given by the staff, nurses, and doctors at the SAH and “muchas gracias” to her dedicated home caregiver Ana.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.northwoodfuneral.com
Riposa in pace cara mamma, sorella e nonna.