It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Antonietta “Nonna” (nee Magliaro) Calabrese, just one month shy of her 96th birthday, at home surrounded by her beloved family.
Born in Castelvetere Sul Calore (Avellino, Italy), Nonna was the dear daughter of Ausilio and Maria Grazia Magliaro. She was the beloved wife of Alfio Calabrese (late 2004) with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Their home was a place where family always came first, and their love and devotion to one another remained a beautiful example to those around them.
Antonietta Calabrese was the cherished mother of Maria (late Pasquale) Melillo, Carmen (Adrien) Gagnier, Josie (Mark) Hammerton, Joe Calabrese (Antonella), and Diana Calabrese.
Nothing brought her greater joy than her family gathered around her. She was the proud Nonna to Salvatore (Jennifer), Paulo (Sue), Adriano (Anabela), Amelia (Steve), Alyssa (Scott), Emilee (Mitchell), Colin, Joel (Alyssa), Stefan (Megan) and Kristen (Brandon). She also wore the hat of bis Nonna to Nicolas (Jayden), Evan (Kylie), Eliana, Elesio, Mya, Leland, Samantha, Emerson, Elliott, Clarke and bis bis Nonna to Wrenley. Nonna treasured every family meal, celebration, phone call and moment together with her family. Her love for her family was unconditional and what kept her going all of these years. She carried her family in her heart and prayers and took great pride in the families they had built. She also had many friends whose friendships meant so much to her especially all the phone calls, check ins and visits over the years.
Her Catholic faith was at the centre of her life, specifically her devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary. She prayed faithfully and trusted deeply in God, turning to her faith for strength, gratitude, and guidance throughout her life. She taught her family not only through her words, but through the way she lived- with devotion, kindness, humility and love. She gave so much of herself to those she loved and asked for little in return.
After nearly 96 years of a life so richly lived, Nonna has been called home to the Lord and reunited with her beloved husband Alfio and family in heaven. We take comfort knowing that they are together again watching the family they created from above. She leaves behind a family who will carry her love, her faith, and her Italian traditions forward. Though there are no words to express how much we will miss her in this life, we are grateful for the lifetime of memories, lessons, prayers and love she has given us.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Diana, who devoted herself to caring for her mother; giving her time, patience, companionship and unwavering love. Her devotion allowed Nonna to remain surrounded by the comfort of her family and the home she cherished. It is a gift that can never truly be repaid but one that will always be remembered. The family would also like to thank those who kept Nonna in good health until the very end, specifically Dr. Morand, her beloved PSW Kelly and her countless medical teams in both Chatham and London.
May she rest eternally in the loving arms of God, reunited with Alfio and surrounded by the peace of Heaven.
Friends and relatives may visit at the Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home Ltd., 156 William St. S. Chatham from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Wednesday August 19, 2026. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday August 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM in St. Ursula’s Church. Entombment will be in Maple Leaf Mausoleum. In lieu of Flowers please make a donation to The Children’s Treatment Centre or Our Lady of the Rosary Shrine, Merlin would be appreciated.
“Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.
