It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Saveria Laratta, a beloved wife, mother, sister, step-grandmother and friend.
Maria, affectionately known as Mary, was born in Calabria, Italy, and came to Canada when she was five years old. She touched the lives of many with her kindness, generosity, and incredible warmth.
Mary is survived by her beloved of 60 years, David Hall, with whom she built a life filled with love. She was the proud and loving mother of Sarah Hall (Brent Chevrette) and Stefanie Hall (Ankur Khurana and Vihaan Bhanot Khurana). Maria was a doting sister to Loretta Floris and John Laratta (Margaret Melhorn) and sister-in-law, Barbara Malton (Richard Malton, John and Anna Belford).
She will be deeply missed by her nieces and nephews, Edel Campbell (Christopher Lee, Amy and Lucy Hunter), Peter Laratta (Cheryl Laratta, Jason, and Sophia Laratta), and Elisabeth Laratta (Matt Grey) and Jason Malton (Martine Malton, Claire Malton, Gabriel Gavanac). Mary’s best friends Marc and Sandy Noel and her goddaughter, Jessica Noel (Will Farmiloe), also mourn her passing.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Angela and Stefano Laratta, her parents-in-law, Harry and Jean Hall, her brother-in-law Jacob Floris and her beloved niece Kelly Belford and nephews, Jason, Justin and Jake Floris.
Mary was the heart and soul of her family, a role she took on with great joy. As a business owner and hairdresser at RoMar Hair Design in Thorold, Mary was known for her incredible skills. But it was in her garden and kitchen where her love truly flourished. Mary was a passionate gardener, cook, and host. To know Mary was to experience her boundless hospitality—there was always an open seat at her table, where guests were showered with warmth, affection, and a plateful of the most incredible tomato sauce. Her garden's bounty was always generously shared with her family and friends, reflecting her deep-rooted belief in the joy of giving.
Mary's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Northland Pointe, who provided exceptional care in her final years as she faced the challenges of dementia and lupus with courage and grace.
Mary's legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be forever missed and lovingly remembered.
Visitation will take place at Pleasantview Funeral Home on Friday August 30th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm, and on Saturday August 31st from 9-10am. Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral service on Saturday August 31st in the Pleasantview Chapel beginning at 10am. Burial to take place at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens and Reception will follow at Pleasantview Funeral Home.
If you so wish, you can make donations in Mary's honour to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Lupus Foundation of Ontario.