It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our dear mother Raffaela Iorfida, age 75, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Hospice Unit. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.



Raffaela was born in Serra San Bruno, Calabria, Italy in 1937. She journeyed to Canada in 1958 with her father who was immigrating to Thunder Bay to build a better life. In 1959 she married Giuseppe Iorfida and went on to raise three daughters. Mom’s greatest love was for her family. Over the years, she and Joe were happiest when tending to their garden or when family and friends were around to entertain. An excellent cook, Raffaela was known for her famous biscotti and desserts, which she made for nearly everyone who knew her. However, nothing made her happier than spending time with her adoring grandson Cristian, looking forward to every visit and video call with him. She was ecstatic with the arrival of her granddaughter Sienna just a few months ago.



As a devout Catholic, Raffaela was loyal to her church and had a strong faith. She was always giving of herself to help those around her and the less fortunate. Even in her final weeks, she was thinking of those who needed food during the holidays. She was an example of generosity, courage and strength to everyone who knew her. In times of adversity and illness, she always remained the strongest one, putting everyone's needs in front of her own.



She will be sadly missed by her daughters Mary, Josephine (Jo) and Susan (Tony) Bernardo (Oakville, currently here), grandchildren Cristian and Sienna Bernardo. Cousins, Susan (Sam) Ruberto, Josie Lamers, Maria (Dale) Smith, Nanda (Bob) Claydon, Bruno Zaffino (Belleville). Siblings in Toronto, Bruno (Maria) Pisani, Cosimo Pisani, and cousin Giacomina Marcello. In Italy, sisters Pina Calabretta and Maria Iorfida. Brother-in-law Cosimo (Lena) Iorfida and sister-in-law Assunta Iorfida as well as many neices and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Guiseppe Iorfida in 2005, parents Assunta and Salvatore Pisani and her Zia Biagina and Zio Michele Zaffino.



We would like to express our gratitude to Susan Ruberto, Josie Lamers, Maria Smith and Nanda Claydon for always being there for our mother, particularly over this last month and changing travel plans over the holidays to be with her. Our mother thought of you all like siblings. It meant the world to her that you were able to be with her.



The family would also like to thank Meta Evans (mom’s nurse), doctors and staff of St. Joseph’s Hospice, Dr. Vergidis and the oncology staff at TBRHSC as well as Dr. Scali for his many years of care.



Funeral services for the late Mrs. Raffaela Iorfida will be held on Friday January 11, 2013 leaving the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley St. at Algoma at 8:50 am to St. Anthony's R.C. Church for a Funeral Mass at 9:30 am, celebrated by Father Maurizio Maifredi. Entombment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday January 10, 2013 in the Everest Chapel from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with Vigil Prayers being offered at 7:00pm.



In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to the Northern Cancer Research Foundation or the St. Andrew’s Dew Drop Inn.



Many a day her name is spoken,

And many an hour she is in our thoughts,

A link in our family chain is broken,

She has gone from our home but not from our hearts.

We love you Mama.

Mary, Jo and Susie



Thank you Grandma, for all you have done,
You shine brightly, just like the sun.

We will love and miss you forever Nana

xoxo Cristian and Sienna



Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com