Thursday, October 12, 2023
One of Adelina’s happiest moments was when she was asked to work as live-in housekeeper and cook at St. James’ Catholic Church, Oakville, Ontario with Father “Julio” and Father “Pucci”. They would become her mentors and friends.
She was now in a world where she could live and work and talk and sing out loud dedicated to God and the Church yet maintain her secular life and close relationships with her dearest sister, Candia, and other family and friends who lived nearby.
It was like she was, at the same time, Sister Antonio Marie of the Marthas in Antigonish AND the little Italian girl with her Mamma and Pappa and siblings in Dominion at the Beach (wearing a bathing suit, in public!).
Adelina became close with Fr. Julio and his mother, Mama Lucia. She travelled to Italy with them, where they stayed with his family, then on to Rome, for a private audience with the Pope.
Fr. Julio eventually returned to Lewiston, NY to oversee renovations at Fatima Shrine. Adelina maintained contact with him and continued to visit him at the Shrine many times, staying in residence there with Sr. Anthony.
When we called the Shrine to let them know that Adelina was now very ill and not likely to recover, we learned that Sr. Anthony and Mamma Lucia had passed away several years ago. The Shrine reached out to Adelina, but Adelina’s dementia had taken hold and she had moved to Maple Hill Manor. It is unclear whether Adelina was aware of any calls or mail from the Shrine.
Sadly, we also learned that Fr. Julio passed away in July of this year, just several days before Adelina’s last birthday. At first, we made no connection; but in retrospect, it was around that time when Adelina started to withdraw and deteriorate quickly.
The Shrine offered to dedicate prayers at mass for a peaceful passing for Adelina.
Within half an hour of this call, Adelina slipped away from us.
I believe that perhaps she realized she no longer needed to be driven anywhere by her race car tour-guide wannabe “Chatty Kathy” baby sister. Her wings had arrived, and HE cleared the runway. She had totally earned her wings and was in-flight!
I
