CECERE, Elvira Cecere

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elvira Cecere (née Casillo) on August 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Elvira was born on May 23, 1940, in Roccaromana Caserta, Italy. She was the youngest of 8 children born to Gervasio Casillo and Luiga Scialla.

From a young age, Elvira faced life’s hardships with courage and resilience. As a young child, the horrors of WWII tore through her village. It was those memories, along with the experiences of scarcity and poverty of that time, that remained with her for the rest of her life. She later emigrated to Canada to be married and commence a new life with her husband Carlo. After many years of hard work and sacrifice, they succeeded in providing a prosperous life for their family based on love, tradition and perseverance. Despite adversity, she carried within her a profound compassion, humility, and self-determination that defined her life’s journey. Though she worked outside the home at times, her greatest role and deepest pride was in being a devoted mother to her sons, Giuseppe and Carlo Geraldo, whom she raised and nurtured with unconditional love and guidance.

Her legacy of care extended to her family in every way. She shared a special and enduring bond with her daughter-in-law, Nora, offering mentorship, strength, and love that shaped their relationship into something truly rare. As Nonna, she embraced the joys of this role by being a cherishing and caring grandmother to her grandchildren Jessica and Giancarlo and regretted not being able to do the same with baby Carlo who did not get the chance to be touched by her love.  This role brought her immense happiness despite having been widowed for a lengthy time and having to endure a lengthy and consuming battle with kidney disease.

Elvira was a unique and authentic human being with an extraordinary gift for bringing people together. Alongside her husband, she upheld cherished family traditions and created a home filled with warmth, resilience, and unity. Her spirit of kindness and her ability to persevere through challenges will forever inspire those who knew her.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to share in her love and wisdom.

In honour of Elvira’s memory, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Bernardo Funeral Homes, (2960 Dufferin St., south of Lawrence Ave. W.), on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 2-4 & 5–8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Charles Borromeo Church, (811 Lawrence Ave. W., at Dufferin St.), on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Elvira will then be laid to rest at Beechwood Cemetery (7241 Jane St., north of Steeles Ave.).

Her gentle spirit and enduring love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Visitation
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 — 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bernardo Funeral Homes (Dufferin)
2960 Dufferin Street
Toronto, ON M6B 3S9

Second Visitation
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 — 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bernardo Funeral Homes (Dufferin)
2960 Dufferin Street
Toronto, ON M6B 3S9

Service
Thursday, August 28, 2025 — 10:00 am
St. Charles Borromeo Church
811 Lawrence Avenue West
Toronto, ON M6A 1C3

Interment
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Beechwood Cemetery
7241 Jane Street
Concord, ON L4K 1A7