IRUSSO, Antonina Iarusso (née di Pasquo)

Antonina passed away peacefully with her family by her side on July 5, 2025 at age 87. Dedicated wife to Raffaele for 68 years and loving mother to Angela (Franco Iaderosa) and Luciano (Elvira Di Gesù). Affectionate Nonna to Nina (Graham Kozak), Marco Iaderosa (Rachel Doa), Amanda (Patrick Osland), Melissa (Giuseppe Morcinelli), and Erica Iarusso. Precious bisnonna to Julia and Genevieve Kozak, Massimo Osland, and Roma Morcinelli.

She will be missed by her younger siblings Maria (Gino Di Ciocco, 2005) and Renzo (Silvana Ionata), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends both here, and in Italy and France. Antonina is reunited with her beloved parents Michele (1987) and Esterina Brunetti (2006) and older sister Angiolina (2008; Felice Del Papa, 2001).

Born in Agnone, Molise, Italy, Antonina carried with her the strength and traditions of her mountainous hometown throughout her life. From a young age, she tended to the lands and livestock alongside her family. Married at age 19, she hand built a home for herself and two children while her husband worked abroad. In 1972, she immigrated to Canada with her children to reunite with her husband and build a home and family life, bringing with her the same fierce work ethic and resilient spirit.

Settling in Windsor, she found employment as a seamstress at Sportex. Yet her true passions were always at home—cultivating a lush garden, lovingly preparing traditional recipes, and teaching them to her children and grandchildren. Her hallmark dishes of Zuppa Santè and homemade pasta like cannelloni and sagne taccùn will be especially missed. Her grandchildren never left her home empty handed—always gifted frozen meals and pagnottini to enjoy.

Antonina was passionate about crocheting blankets, crafting wine and salsiccia in cooler months, and preserving the age-old flavours and stories of her roots. Her five grandchildren proudly carry on her legacy and traditions.

Forever missed and never forgotten, her memory will always live on in our hearts. Nonna sarai sempre nei nostri cuori.

Visitation will be held at Families First South Windsor (3260 Dougall Ave) on Monday, July 7, 2025 from 2–5 p.m. & 7–9 p.m., with parish prayers at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Angela Merici Parish (980 Louis Ave) on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 11 a.m. Entombment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Antonina’s memory may be made to the Windsor Regional Hospital – Cardiology Program. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Windsor Regional Cardiac Centre for their compassion and care.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Families First.