CONTE, CAROLINA (Née Pirone, formerly Pizzacalla) - Carolina passed away peacefully, with her three daughters by her side at Foyer Richelieu Long Term Care, on June 17, 2026 at the age of 88. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Francesco (1987). Loving mother of Susan DeCicco (Joe), Lucy and Loreto Tersigni, and Lily and Steve Groulx. Cherished Nonna to Teresa (Simon) Ironside, Stefanie DeCicco, Jessica DeCicco (Andrew Gaunce), Claudia (Andrew) Mangiapane, Christina Tersigni (Michael Sinopoli), Maya Groulx and Ayden Groulx. Great Nonna to Jade DeCicco and AJ Mangiapane. Survived by her sisters Silvana Stivala and Alfa Perna in Argentina. Carolina will be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Predeceased by her parents Nicola Pirone and Antonietta (née Rossi).

Born on December 28, 1937, in the small town of Petoranello, Italy, Carolina immigrated to Argentina in 1952 where she married and started her family. She immigrated to Canada in 1968 and settled in Thorold amongst other relatives. Carolina had various jobs throughout her life, she was a hard-working loyal employee from the start, working as a seamstress, a catering server and cleaning lady all while still maintaining her home and raising her family. Family was everything to her and she took any opportunity to cook for days as she looked forward to the next gathering. No one could beat Nonna’s Meatballs. In addition to her natural cooking skills, Carolina had a passion for singing. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing especially at Church. Dancing, gardening, sewing and knitting were just a few of the other things that brought her much joy.

Carolina was a devoted parishioner at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Thorold. She was also a member of the Coro Folkloristico del Club Castropignano and Coro Folkoristico Italiano Niagara. Club Castropignano was a big part of her life as she enjoyed spending time working with many friends for many years. Carolina led a very active life always having somewhere to go or people to see until her declining health slowed her down.  Always keeping her Italian roots and customs Carolina adapted to the Argentinian lifestyle effortlessly, making her fluent in Italian and Spanish for all of her years.

The lessons she instilled in her family will continue for generations.

Visitors will be received at BOCCHINFUSO FUNERAL HOME 2 Regent Street, Thorold on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church 21 Queen Street South, Thorold on Wednesday, June 24 at 11:00 AM. Rite of Committal Pleasantview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Her family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation and acknowledge the wonderful compassion and care our Mother received from the staff at Foyer Richelieu Long Term Care.  Special thanks to Dr. Debbie Dooler for her many years of care and support. Their kindness will never be forgotten.