SCARANO, Antoinette
November 10, 2020

“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on”
~ Irving Berlin

In her passing, we are reminded to celebrate life, as our mother, Antoinette, celebrated those around her every day that she lived.

Antoinette will be remembered for many things, but above all, for her devotion to her family, her friends and her community. She dedicated her life to helping better the lives of everyone she crossed paths with, never expecting anything in return. Her infectious laugh will also leave a lasting imprint!

She passed away after putting up nearly a year long fight, saying “NO” to cancer, on November 10th 2020, with her family by her side. She spent most of her fight at home, being looked after by her husband, Ronnie Martorana, and a bright and beautiful team of caregivers. She spent her final hours being cared for by the incredibly compassionate team at the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence.

Antoinette was born to Biagio Scarano and the late Maria Lizza, March 24th 1957, in Roccanova, Italy. She was unconditionally loving mother to Roseann and husband Alastair, and Andrew and fiancée Jessica. She was loyal sister to Pierangelo and wife Emily, niece to her zia Concetta and late zio Antonio, and caring cousin to Angie, Pino and families. Sister-in-law to Maurice, Frank and families, zia/ma tante to Natasha, Peter, Jean-francois, Tania, Danny, Anthony & Sonny and great aunt to Ariana. The role she took the most pride in however, was that of nonna to the three joys of her life, her grandchildren Cooper, Noah and Ayla.

In addition to completing her CÉGEP and university education with two young children, and after a brief career with CFQR radio, she served the Lester B Pearson School Board as work placement coordinator for over 30 years, working tirelessly to improve the opportunities for the young people she worked with. She was instrumental in starting the CFER Riverdale and Lasalle programs, preparing hundreds of students for the world of work.

Antoinette was most passionate about, and will be remembered for, the work she did to better her community. She spent many years on boards of vital grassroots charities and non-profit organizations such as the Pearson Education Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce, AJOI, Light a Dream, the Resource Community Centre, and was actively involved in local political campaigns.
She has also left behind many gifts in the beautiful quilts, scarves, blankets, socks, cards, albums and other creations that she lovingly made for her family and friends. Many of us have something gifted to us by Antoinette, that will keep her memory alive and we will be able to cherish for years to come.

A private gathering was held for Antoinette’s family to say their goodbyes. The family are planning a memorial and fundraiser in the spring of 2021, to honour Antoinette and all of the charitable work she did. Details of the chosen charity and event will be posted in due course.
In the wise words of Maya Angelou, mum has left a real legacy. She’s made a mark on the world that can’t be erased. We will dedicate our time to carrying on your legacy mum, and perhaps starting our own. We love you, our bright and ever shining angel.
Roseann, Andrew & family