A life defined by unwavering love and quiet strength came to a peaceful close on February 10, 2026, with her favourite music playing softly and the comfort of a loving hand.
She was born to parents Leonardo and Anne Masotti on September 26th, 1933 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was the eldest of three children. Maria attended Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute. As a young and stylish girl, she worked in the millinery department at the T. Eaton Company in Winnipeg, where she sold hats and sharing her love of fashion with everyone who stepped up to the counter. Maria moved to Thunder Bay in 1963, where she worked at the family-owned business, Cortina Pizza on Cumberland Street. It was there, through her brother, that she met the love of her life, Donald, and they were married on September 20th, 1975. Maria spent many years at Lakehead University in the Admissions Department, where she met students from around the world. She loved hearing their stories and learning from their experiences.
Maria’s creativity touched every corner of her life. Her love of fashion shone in everything she wore. She designed and sewed much of her own clothing, kept up with every trend through stacks of magazines, and was always dressed with unmistakable grace and sophistication. Art was another of her passions, and she was a gifted watercolour painter. Her paintings were a true expression of her heart and she took great joy in gifting them to family. Some of her happiest moments were spent teaching and creating alongside her grandchildren.
Maria lived for her Thursday afternoon Watercolour classes with Bijianna Baker at The 55 Plus Centre. It was there her most creative talents were expressed. Maria’s paintings were showcased at each 55 Plus Art Show and Sale. Her use of colour, gold leaf and subject matter reflected her flower garden and natural beauty with Poppies being an ongoing theme. Maria’s Thursdays were magical. No One enjoyed an art class more.
Gathering with family for any occasion brought her pure joy, but Christmas was her season. She delighted in decorating every corner, always going wonderfully over the top that made her home the heart of every celebration. She followed U.S. politics with great interest, and she took just as much joy in watching Tiger Woods on the course and Sidney Crosby on the ice.
Mia joins her beloved husband, Donald who predeceased her; along with her parents, Leonardo and Ann Masotti and brother, Joseph Masotti. She was also preceded in death by her in-laws; William and Alma Mackett.
Maria will be lovingly remembered by her four sons John, David (Valerie), Paul (Charleen), Michael; daughter-in-law Mirella Vercillo; grandchildren Ryan (Kaitlyn), Brittany, Mitchell, and Collin. Her absence will be felt profoundly by her brother Tony and his wife Jane, and by her sister-in-law Pamela Masotti. Her goddaughter, Jacqueline Smith, will forever cherish the bond they shared. Her memory lives on with her treasured niece Sherrie Larsen and nephews Joel, Chris and Mark Masotti, and her grand fur-kids Wilson and Daisy.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the physicians and staff of the Renal and Cancer Clinics at TBRHSC for their care and support during Maria’s many visits. Special thanks are also owed to the dedicated physicians, nurses, and staff of the Geriatric and Palliative Care units and the Hospice at St. Joseph’s Care Group. Your kindness and compassion brought great comfort to Maria and to our family.
Cremation has taken place. She has been interred with her beloved husband, and we take comfort in imagining the joyful reunion that surely awaited them.
A celebration of Maria’s life will take place at a later date, when family and friends can come together to honour her memory.
In place of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to New Hope Dog Rescue Thunder Bay, founded by her daughter-in-law. Maria had a tender heart for every four legged friend and delighted in being “Grandma” to a house full of fur-babies. Daisy, a puppymill survivor, was one she held closest.
Goodbye is only a pause; the love she gave continues to move through the world like light.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
