RITA GABRIELE

June 26, 1932 - March 6, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rita Gabriele, who passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, March 6 at TBRHSC. Rita was the devoted wife of the late Mario Gabriele and loving mother of Maria (Julio), Franco (Suzie) and Lucia (Robert) and grandmother to Ryan, Brandon, Mario, Felice, Gabriella, Sophia and Jacob. She will be missed and remembered by her sister-in-law, Rita Fiorido with numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Reaching 93 years of age, still living independently at home, she had one last wish and that was to die peacefully without having to lose her independence.

Our mother was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. Born June 26, 1932, in Rogliano, Cosenza, Italy, she arrived in Fort William in 1957 to join her husband to begin a new life in Canada. They both were dedicated to creating a loving home for their children. Rita could always be found in her kitchen preparing her delicious soups and cooking her pasta dishes, baking loaves of her fresh bread or tending to her garden, sharing her vegetables and home-made meals with neighbours, friends and family. She enjoyed her later years spending time with her grandchildren and was so proud of being called Nonna. She was a member of the CWL and a devout parishioner of St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church.

Thank-you to all the hospital staff at the 1A Regional Hospital who provided exceptional care for our mom, and always made sure she was comfortable and felt safe during her last days. We also appreciate the many individuals from Ontario Health and Paramed who helped Rita in her own home over the years. These services allowed her to live as she wanted independently on her own terms in her own home.

Funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 11:00 am with interment at Mountain View Cemetery to follow. Visitation will be held one hour prior, beginning at 10:00am a.m. at St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thunder Bay Health Sciences Foundation or a charity of your own choice. Arrangements entrusted to the Blake Funeral Chapel, 200 May Street S.

On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com