Pasqualina Angelina Durante

We celebrate the life of Pasqualina Angelina Durante, dedicated wife, devoted mother, and doting nonna, who passed away on December 20th, 2023 in Calgary. She was born on April 5th, 1942 in Sessano del Molise, Italy. It was Easter Sunday and she was lovingly named in honour of this occasion. Leaving us during the Christmas season has a poetic full circle feeling to it. Pasqualina loved Christmas. She enjoyed the spirit of the season, sharing fellowship, and attending mass.

The family takes comfort in the knowledge that Pasqualina recognized them until the end and knew she was loved and not alone in her final moments. She loved her family and friends fiercely and the best way she knew to show this was by sharing her cooking. If she fed you, she loved you. The more she fed you the more she loved you. She was well known for her cooking and baking, her specialities are hotly debated with her pasta sauce and chicken cutlets sharing the winning spot. Her tomato canning process was once covered in the Calgary Herald and her pasta sauce was shared on Breakfast Television. Pasqualina had many happy experiences in her life. The experience that thrilled her the most was being called nonna. She was never happier than when she was marinating her grandson in love.

Pasqualina and her husband of 61 years moved to Calgary in 1967 and raised their two children here. They made many friends and embraced their new life in Canada while still holding on to their heritage. Pasqualina took great delight in travelling and attending various arts events with her daughter. Her curious welcoming nature and her sense of humour brought a smile to everyone’s face.

Pasqualina is predeceased by her parents, her beloved sister, Concetta, and her brothers Giovanni and Guiseppe, whom she loved dearly. She leaves behind her husband, two children and their partners, one grandson, three siblings, innumerable extended family members, and the many friends she loved like family.

The family would like to thank the staff at Rockyview General Hospital Unit 73, Chinook Intercare, Aspen Heights and Sage Hill Retirement Residences for their care and kindness to Pasqualina.

The funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 12th at St Michael Catholic Community (800 85 St SW, Calgary). Visitation/viewing 11am, funeral mass 12 noon, reception 1pm. Private entombment to follow.

If you wish, flowers may be sent to the church. Pasqualina's favourite colour was pink. If you prefer to make a donation in Pasqualina's memory the family invites you to consider the Alzheimer's Society of Calgary at www.alzheimercalgary.ca or the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary at www.catholicyyc.ca, a charity of your choice is also welcomed.