Obituary of Maria Ielapi
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Maria Ielapi, on May 14, 2025, at University Hospital in London, Ontario, at the age of 87.
Born on September 8, 1937, in the small town of Filadelfia, Catanzaro, Italy, Maria was the youngest of five children born to Michele Malacaria and Elisabetta Ruscio. She tragically lost her mother at the tender age of eight and lived through the hardship and fear of World War II, often recalling the war planes flying overhead during her childhood.
In the mid-1960s, Maria immigrated to London, Ontario, in search of a better life. It was here that she built her home and her heart. She married the love of her life, Antonio Ielapi, on June 25, 1966. Together, they raised two sons: Franco (Carrie Ruttan) and Domenic (Effi Limberopolous). Maria gave up her career as a skilled seamstress to become a devoted stay-at-home mother. Her sons were her world, and her fierce love and protectiveness of them was known to all—she was, in every sense, a mamma bear.
Maria was the proud Nonna of Connor, Brandon, and Austin (sons of Franco and Carrie), and Elizabeth (daughter of Domenic and Effi). Her grandchildren brought her immense joy, and she cherished every moment with them.
Though she had little growing up, Maria enriched the lives of everyone around her with deep love, rich traditions, and unwavering faith. Her home was always filled with the aroma of freshly made pasta, homemade soppressata, and melanzane sott'olio. No one ever left her table hungry. She passed on cherished Italian customs to her family with warmth and pride.
A devout Roman Catholic, Maria was a faithful parishioner at St. Mary's Church, where she sang joyfully in the church choir. Her love of singing filled both the church and her home with beautiful music. As a young woman, she once dreamed of becoming a nun—a path she considered deeply until her brother persuaded her otherwise.
Maria was predeceased by her beloved husband, Antonio, who passed away from cancer in 2007. She was also predeceased by all of her siblings: her brother Vincenzo (Enrica Quattrociocchi), and her sisters Angela (Antonio Stillitano), Carmela (Franco Serafini), and Barbara (Pasquale Vecchio). She is survived by her dear sister-in-law, Enrica.
To the very end, Maria remained strong-willed, outspoken, and resilient. Death knocked at her door many times in her later years, but she always managed to send it away—until now. We take comfort in knowing she is now reunited in heaven with her beloved Antonio.
Her sons, Franco and Domenic, along with their families, will miss her deeply, as will all who knew her.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Henley Place Longterm Care for their loving care and support during Maria’s final years.
As per her wishes, a private celebration of life will take place with immediate family only.
Ti vogliamo bene, Mamma. Your voice, your strength, and your love will echo in our hearts forever. Rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Diabetes Canada. To donate CLICK HERE
