Peacefully in her sleep, Mémé embarked on her greatest voyage on January 8, 2020. After a full 99 years, she leaves behind her children the late Toti (France Castonguay), Jenny (Samir Sardi), Renny (Jacques Gélinas), Betty (Mike Mastrocola) and Mary (Mike Lombardi) as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and many many friends. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Christo, and her granddaughter, Martine.
Born in Alexandria, Egypt, the eldest of five children, she married the love of her life, Christo, in 1940. Henriette immigrated with her family in Montreal in 1963. Soon after, she lost her beloved husband in 1966. Alone, she was able to raise her five children. She was fiercely protective of her family and did her best to ensure that they were supported in all that they did.
Being the first of a large family to immigrate in Canada, she wholeheartedly opened her home and generously helped them to settle in.
She was Enrico Macias’ greatest fan and his music brought her joy throughout her life. She was the life of the party, never missing a chance to sing and dance. Mémé was legendary for creating feasts in the blink of an eye to the delight of family and friends.
Henriette was a globetrotter extraordinaire who never turned down an opportunity to travel. Her passion for card playing and frequent visits to the casino was well-known. From the abundant tables of food that she prepared to being the founder, together with her son, Toti, of an optical dynasty that continues to flourish to this day, she was a person who definitely was ”all in”.
Her path was not always easy and she faced many hurdles during her life but she was undaunted and proceeded to carry on and succeed.
For Mémé, her greatest joy above all was her beloved family.
Special thanks to Dr. Peter Lipes and Dr. Pierre Mackay for their decades of dedicated care, as well as all the staff at Résidence l’Alto.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saint Sauveur Cathedral in her memory.
Place of funeral
Visiting Hours
4975 boul. des Grandes Prairies, St-Léonard, QC H1R 1A5
- Monday, January 13, 2020
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7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
12:00 AM - 2:00 AM
- Tuesday, January 14, 2020
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2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Dear Betty and Mike, My deepest condolences for the loss of your mother and mother-in-law.
Dear Mary and Patricia, my sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved mother and grandmother. I’m sure she is resting in peace as she continues to guide you and love you through her spirit. Best regards, Rosa & Horacio Correia and family
Ma chere Elizabeth,
De ma part et de la part de toute ma famille, je tiens a t offrir a toi et toute ta famille nos plus sinceres condoleances.
Sans la connaitre, je suis certaine qu elle etait une dame extraordinaire, et qu elle vous manquera beaucoup.
Courage.
Betty and Mike Mastrocola, my deepest condolences for your loss.
Victor Rinaldi
My sincerest sympathies to you Betty, and your family for the loss of this unique and lovely person. I know that she will always be present deep in each of your hearts, and all the memories will never be forgotten. I feel for your sorrow, and know how this day will be difficult, but you are well surrounded, mostly because of this wonderful soul that is no longer physically with you. Take care.
Dear Mary and family, Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. Although we did not know her personally, the obituary is a great tribute to her life and we know she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Please take comfort in the beautiful memories you will have of her forever.
Maria and Joe Marsillo
Dear Jenny, Sami and Caroline, my sincere condolences for your loss. May fond memories sustain you at this difficult time.
Lesia Sangiovanni