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 humour, 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, Dominique 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

CarePartners, 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.

The family will plan a celebration of life to be announced at a later date. Donations can be made

in lieu of flowers to either St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia or the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-

Lambton.

‍

‍

‍