It is with immeasurable sorrow and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our adored matriarch and mother, Rosalie Avellina Cicchi (née Gris), who died peacefully surrounded by her family on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the age of 88. Her light has been extinguished, but her love will shine on for generations through her lessons of kindness and genuine affection. Rosalie goes to join the love of her life, her predeceased husband, Gabriel Cicchi Sr. (2008), her adored and deeply missed son, Gabriel Cicchi Jr. (2001), and her sweet grandson, Matteo. Rosalie is predeceased by her parents, Antonilia and Ottorino Gris, and her parents-in-law, Giuseppina and Ernesto Cicchi of Italy. She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Deborah (Luciano) Cacioppo, Ernest (Felina) Cicchi, Peter John (Nina) Cicchi, and Daniella (Dennis) Piccolotto. Cherished grandmother of Angelica (Craig), Victoria, Aurora, Ernest Jr. (Olivia), Joseph (Elsa), Isabella, Gabriel (Cassandra), Anthony (Tea), Cassandra (Sebastian), Christian, and Gianluca. Adored great-grandmother (Gi-Gi) of Everett, Scarlett, Harrison, Maeve, and Bianca. Loving sister of Ron (Lorraine) Gris and Frank (Karen) Gris. Rosalie was also predeceased by her adored brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Maria and Pippo Virgulti; Peter and Elena Cicchi; Giovanni and Gabriella Cicchi; Serafino and Laura Cicchi; and her brothers-in-law, young Antonio and little Serafino of Italy. She will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, and cousins in Canada, the United States, Italy and Australia.

Rosalie was a loving, supportive, and generous wife to her husband, Gabriel, for 68 years of marriage, and was her family’s greatest cheerleader. Her unwavering support of her husband sustained his work and every aspect of their lives. Even after a debilitating stroke in 2022, Rosalie participated in every family milestone with joy from her bed or wheelchair. She celebrated engagements, weddings, and the births of great-grandchildren with pride and so much love. As a mother, Rosalie left a lifelong example of charity, kindness, and selflessness. Her door was always open, and calls at any hour of the day or night were answered. Rosalie quietly supported a plethora of charities. The greatest of these was her devotion to the Franciscan Friars for over 30 years. She was responsible for the distribution of thousands of mass cards within her community, offering prayers of love and support to anyone in need. Rosalie and Gabriel deeply understood the value of community building. They were devoted parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) for over 50 years and were instrumental in raising funds for rebuilding the current IHM church. They were humble catalysts in fundraising and integral leaders at the IHM Peach Festival booth, which sold thousands of homemade meatballs and sausages for over 30 years. Rosalie also supported her husband in his executive role at Saltfleet Go Ahead Soccer Club. Their dedication to community was further exemplified by traditions that celebrate their faith, family, and friendships. Over 35 years of the Cicchi Fish Fry is a monumental example of their fearless hospitality and kindness. What began as a family gathering to celebrate the Assumption of Mary grew annually to welcome over 300 guests who would unite to enjoy hundreds of pounds of fried calamari and wine.

There are so many people Rosalie would have loved to thank: Dr. Smosarski, for his compassionate care; the kind nurses at Amica Stoney Creek; our angel helpers, Rhonda of Bayshore and Trisha of the Palliative Care Team; and all the PSWs who cared for her with respect for four years. A special note of love and gratitude to Silvana and Erminio Piccolotto for their years of friendship and care, particularly for their lovingly prepared Sunday lunches; to Salvina Cacioppo for her daily cappuccino deliveries and visits; to Maria Cantelmi for her constant prayers and support; and to Elsa Piccolotto for her weekly scripture readings. We are saddened by our mother’s passing. She leaves a legacy of faith for all of us in a world where faith has often been lost. She will be missed, but lives on forever in all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at Bay Gardens Funeral Home, 947 Rymal Road East, Hamilton, on Monday, April 6th, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., and on Tuesday, April 7th, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 2 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 934 Highway 8, Winona, on Wednesday, April 8th at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Our Lady of the Angels Cemetery, 681 Mud Street East, Stoney Creek. In lieu of flowers, donations are greatly appreciated to “Gabe’s Fund - St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton” in support of Mental Healthcare or “DeMazenod Door - St. Patrick’s Church Hamilton”. Please sign the online Book of Condolences at www.baygardens.ca

“Where there is deep grief, there is great love.”