BORTOLON, Maria Florinda (Cremasco)

Maria Florinda Bortolon passed away May 6, 2022. Maria was born April 16, 1929, in Sen Zenone, Italy, and was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Germano Bortolon, her mother and father, Catarina and Paolo Cremasco, her sister Gina, daughter-in-law Susan Johnson, along with relatives and other cherished family members and friends, Aldo, Luigina, and Rita.

Maria's children are Lorenzo, Brian (Karen), Anna (Larry), along with grandchildren Emmalia, Sarafina (Greg), Nikoli (Lyrel), and Mitchell (Allison), brothers and sisters-in law Angelo (Elena), Cesare (Agnese), Mary Bortolon (Tony,dec.), and families, Graziella (Mario), Anna (Walter), Paolo (Louise), Cathy (Darren), Deborah (Ronnie), Nancy (Bob), Peter (Melissa), Tina (Ted), Anthony and Angelo.

Special thanks to Maria's caregivers Dr. Scheick, Dr. Harvey, Dr. Brodovsky, Dr. Robinson, Nadia, Donna, Precious, Heidye, Phina, Tammy, Amanda, Hannah, and the dedicated PSW's, nurses and personnel at St. Joseph's Hospice and LHIN – Home and Community Care. You have all gone above and beyond to help comfort Maria and her family in her final days.

Maria had an incredible life. She immigrated to Canada, married Germano Bortolon, and had three wonderful children. Then the whole family moved back to Italy to help at the Bortolon farm. After a few years, Maria and Germano moved back to Canada! They travelled often.

Maria was one of the only Italian women in her group to earn a driver's license even without speaking English. After all, she was already fearless when driving in Italy on her Vespa, with her three children in tow!

Maria was an extraordinary cook. She would work all day, come home, and serve up a five-course meal. She was tireless in the kitchen. Everyone and anyone was welcomed. Then she would spend time in her garden growing food for the family. She was truly self-less.

Maria delighted in her family. Every Sunday morning, the family would gather at Maria's for brunch, where she was always the guest of honour – the head of the table, with her family preparing the feast. Lots of food, lots of noise, lots of laughs and lots of love.

Maria worked mainly as a seamstress and as a skilled seamstress, Maria re-purposed Aldo Guidolin's snazzy suits to make pants for Lore and Brian. Anna always wore the latest fashions 'care' of Maria. There was always a sewing project on the go in the kitchen.
As a legendary cook, Maria was always willing to share her recipes. Unfortunately, following her recipes never resulted in anything as good as Maria's. She always 'forgot' an ingredient, or no one was able to find the measure for a 'SBRANKA.'

Maria loved to play cards. Maria usually won at cards. Maria loved to cheat when she played cards.

Maria was a fun loving, funny, warm, and accepting person who made everyone feel welcomed. Spending time with Maria was a joyful experience.

Maria loved, was loved – and was lovely.

We will miss Maria. She made a beautiful impression on earth during her life.

Grazie mille, Mamma, Sorella e Nonna.

Resting at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, 1099 Gordon St, Guelph. The family will be receiving guests on Thursday May 12th, 2022 from 2:00-4:00PM and 7:00-9:00PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday May 13th, 2022 in the funeral home at 11AM, entombment to follow at Our Lady Immaculate Mausoleum, Marymount Cemetery. The family requests that masks be worn at the visitation, and funeral ceremonies to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Donations to St. Joseph’s Health Centre, The Elliott Community or the Red Cross - Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donation cards are available at the funeral home or online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com