It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mamma, Alesiana (Re) Ferri, affectionately known as "Bella," on Holy Thursday, in her 90th year. After a courageous battle with cancer, Alesiana passed peacefully, reunited with her beloved husband, Dino (2024), with her devoted son by her side.
A loving, proud Mamma to Nancy (late John Howarth) and Mario. Heartwarming Nonna to Lucas, Cristina (Derek), and Rianna. And always in her heart, her late treasured pup, Remi!
Predeceased by her sister-in-law Vincenza Silvestri (survived by her husband Roberto). A devoted and loving Zia to Phil Silvestri (Wilma), Maria Muraca (Aldo), Mimmo Silvestri (Carol), the late Mario & Laura, and a caring great Zia to all their children. In Italy, she was the beloved daughter of the late Nazzareno and Nazzarena Re (née Corradetti). She will be deeply missed by her 102-year-young brother Guerino Re and sister-in-law Venere. She was also predeceased by her sister Franca Bastiani and brother-in-law Nazzareno, and by her sister Eva Nesti & brother-in-law Mimmo. She adored her many nephews and nieces and shared a particularly special bond with her nephews Massimo & Ilio, with whom she remained in constant contact throughout her later years.
She will be fondly remembered by friends in Canada and abroad.
Alesiana was born in Castel di Lama, Le Marche, Italy. She came to Canada in 1961 to visit her many uncles & aunts (zii) where she met and married the love of her life, and a beautiful family flourished. As a homemaker, she was a devoted mother and wife first, always ensuring her family was cared for above & beyond. She also embraced the entrepreneurial spirit she inherited from her father, operating a Dry Goods business specializing in household textiles and clothing in her earlier days, where she built many lasting relationships.
Alesiana Ferri, a woman of unmatched strength and a "heart of gold," was a vibrant soul who lived life with a resilience and resourcefulness that inspired everyone she met. To Alesiana, the world was full of “Bellas” and “Bellos,” and she welcomed everyone, family, friends, and strangers alike, with that signature word and her joyful, infectious laughter.
A true master in the kitchen, Alesiana shined brightest when she was cooking and baking. Her home was a sanctuary of flavor, famous for her legendary homemade gnocchi and pizza. To be invited to her table for dinner was a gift; she was a generous hostess who nourished souls as much as she fed appetites.
Her passion was her flower garden, where she found her greatest joy tending to the earth. She was a proud two-time recipient of the Hamilton Trillium Awards for her beautifully crafted garden. Throughout her years, she was also a devoted lover of animals, rarely seen without the companionship of her three beloved dogs who brought her immense happiness.
Alesiana was a "strong woman" in every sense of the word, enduring life’s challenges with grace and an unwavering spirit of generosity. She was always the first to offer help to family and friends, putting others before herself.
She is now peacefully reunited with her beloved husband, Dino (who passed October 17, 2024). Together, they would have celebrated a monumental 65 years of marriage this coming August. We take comfort in knowing they are together again, perhaps sharing a glass of wine in a heavenly garden.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and the reminder to always find the beauty in life.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at St. Joseph's Healthcare: Dr. Mallah and the "bella/bello" nurses in Complex Care; Dr. Boyle, Dr. Arkless, Dr. Berg, Dr. Safi & Alisa RN in the Palliative Team; and Dr. Gow, Dr. Hadi & Angela RN in Medicine.
Her "belli" med-care team!
In lieu of floral tributes, the family would be grateful for donations made in Alesiana’s memory to:
The Canadian Cancer Society
The SPCA (reflecting her deep affection for her dogs)
Or a charitable organization of your choosing.
REST IN PEACE OUR BEAUTIFUL BELLA
Funeral Details
Show location:
Visitation
Burlington - Bay Gardens Cremation, Memorial & Funeral Home
1010 Botanical Drive, Burlington, ON, CANADA, L7T 1V1
Get Directions
Sunday, 12 Apr 2026 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Mass
Our Lady of Souls Roman Catholic Church
21 Barton Street West, Hamilton, ON, CANADA, L8L 182
Get Directions
Monday, 13 Apr 2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Entombment
Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery
580 Old York Road, Burlington, ON, CANADA, L7P 4Y6
Get Directions