Obituary of Luciana Nardi

Passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Leopoldo Nardi. Loving mother of Ivana Santostefano (Domenico Santostefano) and Nadia Nardi. Cherished grandmother of the late Leo Santostefano, Alana Vigile, Sandro Santostefano (Holly Santostefano), Danica Nardi-Lamadeleine. Cherished great- grandmother of Olive Santostefano, Sonny Santostefano. Daughter of the late Luigi Pagani and Faustina Pagani.  Dear sister of the late Benita Cefaloni (late Roberto Cefaloni), late Maria Battisti (Guilio Battisti), late Armando Pagani (late Franca Pagani), late Landino Pagani (Anastasia Pagani). She will also be missed by her sister-in -law to Margarita Nardi (late Agostino Nardi) and many nephews and nieces and family in Italy.

Mamma's life in Canada started with a long journey by ship with Zia Benita from Italy to Halifax. She often talked about this journey and how sick they both were, and Zia Benita losing the passports. Still, they made it, taking a train from Halifax to Ottawa and building a beautiful life here. Luciana enjoyed looking after her family, cooking, baking, and baby-sitting the grandchildren. No matter what the issue was, food was always her solution, and did she ever cook well. We will miss your lasagna, polenta, fried bread and meatballs, Mamma. Luciana would always insist on helping with laundry, sending Pappa to our homes with ready made dinners, helping with dishes and so much more. Mamma also loved to sew, and was the family seamstress for many years. This is a trade she learned in Italy, and was very proud to make dresses for her daughters, mother and sisters. Mamma was always trying to be helpful and kind.

Luciana loved being with her sisters. Her and Zia Benita were inseparable. The sisters only lived a few doors away from each other, yet they would call each other 20 times a day. Mamma loved her bus pass and how it gave her the independence she desired. It was sad to watch her take the bus alone after her sisters passed away. Mamma also loved the casino and the penny slot machines. Her and Zia Benita would pool their money together and share their winnings.  We always felt we had two mothers and two fathers, because of how much time they spent together, and how they raised all of us cousins together.

Mamma was called home on March 7th, the same day and time as her beloved grandson Leo, who passed away three years ago. I asked my mother to let go that day. That Pappa, Zia Benita, Zia Maria and Leo were waiting for her. I thanked her for all the ciambella’s, reminded her that she has been a great mother, and that I would see her again one day.

Family will receive friends at the Pinecrest Visitation Centre, 2500 Baseline Road on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 12 p.m. until time of the service in the Chapel at 3 p.m.  Entombment to follow.

Donations may be made to Alzheimer Society of Ottawa. 

Leo picked her up at 10pm. Rest in Peace Mamma, and until we see you again, enjoy your reunion with Pappa and your family. Love you