Carmela Montanino (nee Rescigno)

October 26, 1938 – May 4, 2026

Carmela passed away peacefully with all her family around her after a long, hard-fought journey with dementia. While the dementia gradually took away her independence and memories, it never took away her sense of humor, kindness and love of all things Neapolitan, especially the beautiful Neapolitan music that was a big part of her early years.

 She is survived by her husband, Frank Montanino, her children Tony (Jennifer) Montanino, Teresa Montanino and Rob (Sandra) Montanino and her grandchildren Milena, Theo, Marcus, Luca, Francesca, Dominque and John. Her brothers Savario (Pasqualina) Rescigno and Felice (Felicetta) Rescigno predeceased her.

 Born in Cimitile, Italy, Carmela lived there until she married Frank in October 1967. She courageously moved with Frank to Canada and overcame the immense challenges of building a new life without knowing the language. She worked tirelessly as an entrepreneur, while balancing the demands of raising three children and her hobbies of gardening, cooking, baking and making tomato sauce and wine. She dedicated herself to family and will be remembered for her generosity, warm affection, kindness, humour and the many delicious meals she prepared in her kitchen.

We will be forever indebted to the countless amazing people who supported and cared for Carmela, particularly in the past few years. From the in-home care provided by VON and Care Partners, Dr. David Kim, specialists, personal care workers and nurses, to the incredibly compassionate staff and volunteers at St Joseph’s Hospice for their end-of-life care and support. We will never forget your dedication and kindness.

 Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to either St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia or the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton.

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