Maddalena
Ricciardelli
( née
Bellini )
1926 - 2026
MADDALENA RICCIARDELLI (née Bellini) 1926 - 2026
With deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully and courageously lived, we announce the passing of our mother, Lena, on May 25, 2026, at the age of 99.
Lena was predeceased by her beloved mother, Maria; her devoted husband, Gianni; and her cherished son, Nuccio, to whom she gave unwavering love and support throughout his life. An only child, she came to embrace her husband's siblings - Livia (Emilio), Rosalia, and Gino (Anna), all predeceased - as her own family.
She leaves behind her loving children Mary (Jonathan), Wally (Jeanne), and Susy; and her treasured grandchildren, Gian Luca (Millie) and Patrizio (Bailea). She will also be deeply missed by her sister-in-law Emma (Nicola), with whom she faithfully shared weekly coffee and cake dates, as well as by her many nieces and nephews.
Our family is especially grateful to her devoted caregivers - Belvina, Elmira, and Mary - whose kindness, dedication, and companionship brought comfort not only to Lena, but to all of us during the final years of her life.
It is never easy to capture the life of a parent in a few paragraphs. Lena belonged to a generation of women who devoted themselves to home and family, while quietly nurturing dreams and ambitions of their own. She faced life with determination, curiosity, and resilience. At 91, she was still driving her car and bravely underwent major cancer surgery, from which she recovered with characteristic strength.
As a young woman, she crossed the ocean with her two-year-old son to join her husband in Montreal and begin a new life in Canada, leaving behind the city she loved so dearly - Milan, Italy. She taught herself English by listening to records, later taught Italian classes on Saturday mornings, and found great fulfillment volunteering at the Italian Cultural Institute, where she discovered a true sense of community and purpose.
Never one to stop challenging herself, Lena even took swimming lessons despite her fear of water. She became an early member of Ami-Québec shortly after its founding and proudly kept her original membership card, a symbol of her lifelong commitment to understanding, compassion, and helping others.
Above all, Lena's life was marked by perseverance, strength of spirit, and an enduring search for meaning. Through joys and hardships alike, she continued forward with courage and grace. She will be remembered with love and missed beyond words.
A Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Lena's memory may be made to the Douglas Hospital (Research on Schizophrenia) or to Ami-Québec.
Non ricordiamo i giorni, ricordiamo i momenti. Gabriele D'Annunzio
