June 26, 1929 – March 17, 2024
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beautiful Mamma, Benvenuta Chiara (Boratto) Gorgi at the Elliott Community (Wellington LTC Unit) just three months prior to her 95th birthday.
Benvenuta is finally reunited in the arms of her beloved Nello Abramo Gorgi (May 1986). She was the loving Mamma of daughters Josephine ‘Giuseppina’ (Kevin Raftis), Fernanda (John Clark) and Phyllis ‘Felicetta’ (Frank Ricci). Beloved and proud Nonna of Melissa Raftis (David Brennan), Brian Raftis (Heather Beaton-Raftis), Ashley Mantha (Kevin), Ainsley Clark, Adam Clark (Michaela), Talia Ricci and Gabriel Ricci. Caring Bisnonna to Addison and Paige Mantha, and Rankin Beaton-Raftis.
Benvenuta is also survived by her sisters Maria Villatora and Carlina Scaccabarozzi, both of Italy. She was predeceased by her parents Felice Boratto and Angela Antonello, brothers Mario (Australia) and Carlo (Italy). Benvenuta was a beloved sister-in-law and aunt to many nieces and nephews in Canada, Italy and Australia.
Benvenuta was born in San Martino di Lupari, Italy. In her youth, she worked as a nanny in Milano and Padova, as a seamstress in her hometown, and also taught Sunday school. She travelled to Canada, on the Saturnia, in March 1956 to marry the love of her life, Nello, on April 21st, 1956 at Sacred Heart Church. In Canada she worked in various factories and together, they built a simple and loving life raising their three daughters. Benvenuta enjoyed gardening, cooking delicious meals, music and singing with her beautiful voice. Above all, she loved spending time with her beautiful grandchildren. She was a gentle, kind, elegant woman whose smile had a special way of putting people at ease. Benvenuta will be sorely missed by all of us and she will be forever in our hearts.
The family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Elliott Community, most specifically the Wellington Long Term Care Unit: Dr. Lee, all the amazing nurses, PSWs, and staff who gave Benvenuta superior care, attention, kindness and love. The residents and staff became her family and also an important part of ours.
A visitation for Benvenuta will be held Friday, March 22, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home - Hart Chapel, (1099 Gordon St., Guelph) The Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Parish, (45 Victoria Road North, Guelph). Interment at Marymount Cemetery, (5400 Hwy 6 North, Guelph) Reception to follow at the funeral home Fellowship Lounge.
The family would appreciate donations to the Elliott Community Long Term Care or the Guelph General Hospital.