It is with profound sadness that the Grillo family announces the passing of our Mother and Nonna, Maria Augusta Grillo on Friday, April 24, 2026. Maria was born in Fregona, Italy on October 29, 1936, and moved to Canada in 1959 shortly after her marriage to Alberto Grillo. The snow and cold that greeted her that November made for a quick transition from heels to “ugly” winter boots.
Maria Augusta Grillo and Alberto settled in Thunder Bay and began to build their lives together. They worked hard to provide for the family, and Maria worked tirelessly, to make their house a home. The home on Prospect Avenue was exactly that for 50 years, a place where your safety and comfort was as certain as the delicious food that would greet you daily. Maria’s vegetable garden was a work of art and along with the planters that welcomed you at the front entrance, Maria took great pride in caring for them all.
Time spent together as a family was cherished by Maria, with perhaps the greatest joy coming from the time she spent with her grandchildren. Nonna was an integral part of their upbringing and words couldn’t do justice to the impact she had on each of their lives. The radiant smile on Nonna’s face whenever a grandchild entered the room never faded right up to her final days.
Maria was deeply loved and will be sadly missed by her children Antonietta (Jim), Aldo (Kristen), and Lisa (Chris), grandchildren Amanda and Michael (Shannon), Alexandra and Marcus, Abigail and Erin, and extended family in Thunder Bay and Italy. She was predeceased by her husband, Alberto in 2014, her parents, Pietro and Giuseppina, brothers Umberto and Felice, and sister Elvira.
Our sincere gratitude to the staff on 7 South, Hogarth Riverview Manor for the care and kindness provided to Maria and to us, her family.
A private entombment was held at St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street.
