Antonina Cirasella Aquilino

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Antonina Cirasella Aquilino at the age of 89.

She was predeceased by the love of her life and soul mate, her husband of 62 years Calogero Aquilino (March 16, 2010). Also predeceased by her 4-month-old baby son Gaspare who lived on in her heart.

She leaves to mourn her daughters Antonietta and Anna; her grandchildren Pina Lumia (Mike D’Andrea), Massimo Lumia (Nadia Di Meco), and Carlo Lumia; and last but not least (!) her great grandchildren Savanna, Emilia and Eva. She also leaves behind her brother-in-law, Gerlando Aquilino, and many other family members and friends.

Antonina loved to sing and even in her later years recalled the full lyrics to some 40+ songs. She would often lead a small group into singing at the CHSLD St-Michel – where she was known for being “coquette” = always with lipstick on! In 1972, after having donated a kidney to her daughter Anna, many patients and Royal Victoria hospital workers would tell Antonina that she had found the stairway to heaven. If she didn’t go directly to heaven then nobody would!

In view of current circumstances, only Anna could be at her bedside in the final hours. To honor her mother’s passion for music, she played her parent’s love song “Voglio amarti cosi”. Antonina passed very peacefully to be reunited with her beloved Calogero and Gaspare with the song “Mamma” from Claudio Villa playing. While Antonina missed Mother’s Day 2020, let us join together to wish her “BUONA FESTA DELLA MAMMA.”

A mass will be held in her memory at a later date. If so desired, donations to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 310-5160 Decarie Blvd., Montreal, QC H3X 2H9 or to any other charity of your choice will be appreciated.