September 26th, 1933 – February 10th, 2026
A life filled with deep love and quiet resilience came to a gentle end on February 10, 2026, accompanied by her favorite music and the warmth of a caring hand.
Born on September 26th, 1933 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to parents Leonardo and Anne Masotti, she was the eldest of three siblings. Maria attended Daniel Mc Intyre Collegiate Institute. As a stylish young woman, she worked in the millinery department at T. Eaton Company in Winnipeg, where she sold hats and shared her passion for fashion with every customer who visited. In 1963, Maria moved to Thunder Bay and joined the family business, Cortina Pizza on Cumberland Street. It was there that she met Donald through her brother; they married on September 20th, 1974. She spent many years working in the Admissions Department at Lakehead University where she enjoyed meeting students from around the globe and hearing their stories.
Maria’s creativity shone brightly throughout her life. Her love for fashion was evident in everything she wore. She designed and sewed much of her wardrobe while keeping up with trends through stacks of magazines, always presenting herself with undeniable grace and style. Art was another passion of hers; she was an accomplished watercolour painter whose works reflected her heart and brought her joy when given as gifts to family members. Some of her happiest times were spent creating alongside her grandchildren.
Maria looked forward to Thursday afternoon Watercolour classes with Bijianna Baker at The 55 Plus Centre where she truly expressed herself creatively. Her paintings were displayed at each art show held by the centre. The colors she chose along with gold leaf elements echoed the beauty found in her flower garden with Poppies being a recurring theme in her work. Thursdays became magical moments for Maria-no one enjoyed an art class more than she did.
Gathering with family during any celebration filled her with pure happiness, but Christmas held a special place in her heart. She reveled in decorating every inch of her home extravagantly which made it the center of all festivities. Additionally, she closely followed U. S. politics while finding great joy watching Tiger Woods play golf and Sidney Crosby skate on ice.
Mia is now reunited with her dear husband Donald who passed before her; also joining them are her parents Leonardo and Ann Masotti as well as brother Joseph Masotti. She is preceded in death by William and Alma Mackett-her beloved in-laws.
Maria will be fondly remembered by her four sons John, David (Valerie), Paul (Charleen), Michael; daughter-in-law Mirella Vercillo; grandchildren Ryan (Kaitlyn), Brittany, Mitchell, Collin; as well as deeply missed by brother Tony and his wife Jane along with sister-in-law Pamela Masotti. Her goddaughter Jacqueline Smith will forever hold dear their special bond along with cherished memories created with niece Sherrie Larsen and nephews Joel, Chris and Mark Masotti plus grand fur-kids Wilson and Daisy.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the physicians and staff at Renal and Cancer Clinics within TBRHSC for their care during Maria’s numerous visits over time. A special mention goes out to dedicated physicians nurses staff from Geriatric Palliative Care units along with Hospice at St Joseph’s Care Group whose kindness provided immense comfort both for Maria herself as well as our family during this journey.
Cremation has taken place ensuring she’s interred alongside Donald where we find solace imagining their joyful reunion together once again.
A celebration honoring Maria’s life will happen later when friends family can gather together remembering all that made us smile about this incredible woman.
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations towards New Hope Dog Rescue Thunder Bay established by daughter-in-law who knows how deeply Maria cared about furry companions bringing happiness into lives-she adored being “Grandma” to a home full of pets especially Daisy-a survivor from terrible circumstances whom she’d grown especially close to over time.
Goodbye is only a pause; the love she gave continues to move through the world like light.
Condolences may be made through www. nwfainc. com
