SENA, Autilia - Autilia Pizza Sena was the first daughter born to her parents Rocco and Petronila on April 5th, 1921 in Cassano Irpino, Provincia di Avellino, Italy. She grew-up in a happy family with her parents doing what she did best, farming the land.
Autilia married her husband, Salvatore Sena on December 23rd, 1942 just before he went to serve, and survive World War II. The war was over, and they reunited to start a family.
In March of 1957 Autilia and her four children, Rosa, Rosario, Josie and Bart joined her husband Salvatore, who was already in Canada, via the naval ship the Queen Frederica in the hopes of a better life. Autilia would recount her long and harrowing travels, alone with four children, on the Atlantic Ocean, her arrival in Halifax and eventual destination via train to Toronto, where she and her children were reunited with Salvatore.
Raising a family on Grange Avenue they were blessed with two more children, Tina and Mary.
After their home was expropriated from the municipal government, they finally settled in a newly built home in the neighborhood which is now known as Corso Italia. Autilia went through many hardships, especially with the unexpected loss of her husband at a very young age. Autilia had courage and found the strength to raise her family alone with the tragedy.
Autilia and her family persevered and flourished. Autilia raised all her children and some of her grandchildren. She imparted on all of them the values of love, respect, and most importantly, the strength of a united family. Autilia was always active and feisty and was passionate in teaching others her favorite pastimes, cooking and gardening - her way.
Sadly, she passed away on September 10, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at the age of 100 years.
Autilia Sena was predeceased by her beloved husband Salvatore and her eternally loved daughter Rosa. She will be missed by her youngest sister Maria, who resides in Italy. Mamma/Nonna/Biznonna Autilia will be profoundly missed by her loving children Rosario, Josie(Nicola), Bart(Liz), Tina(Mike) and Mary; her grandchildren Gianni, Ross Jr., Salvatore(Sandra), Roberto(Aline), Kristian(Nadine), Teresa, Marcus(Becki), Alyssa(Aaron),Laura and her great grandchildren Matthew, Rachel, Gabriella, Giulianna, Leo and Cayden. Autilia loved all of her family, friends and neighbours.
Autilia is adored and she will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.
Cara Mamma/Nonna/Biznonna, “Ti vogliamo ringraziare per tutto quello che hai fatto per noi. Sei spempre stata la migliore Mamma. Ti vogiliamo bene assai, assai, assai.”
Arrangements are entrusted with Jerrett Funeral Home, St. Clair chapel.
In Lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in memory of Autilia Sena to either the Sick Kids Foundation or The UHN Foundation.
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