Obituary of Raffaela Colantuoni

Passed on peacefully at The Ottawa General Hospital, on Friday, September 10th, 2021 at 86 years after a short battle with illness. Raffaela was born in Naples on October 20, 1934, the middle child of Stefano and Maria (Pisano) Minopoli.

Young Raffaela, grew up on a farm in Naples and loved to climb trees, intent on liberating them of their best fruit. Her family knew her as “risella” or “giggles” as she was full of life and happiness. Raffaela was also a child of war, at the tender age of 9 she saw her beloved mother pass away. Unable to cope with his large family by himself, her father sent her and her siblings to different homes. She was looked after by her aunt, though she was placed with a “Maestra” or teacher, tasked with imparting a trade onto her. Raffaela learned to be a seamstress, worked hard and saved all her earnings. Education took a back seat to earning a living though this never stopped her from learning to read in English and being able to perform the math required in tailoring. Raffaela met Alberto who was smitten with her and soon wed. Their travels to find a suitable place to rear their children took them to many places. Their first stop were the Bahamas (where Agostino was born), Italy (Rome where Caterina was born), and then onto Australia. Throughout her travels she worked hard providing for her family. Raffaela had a generous, friendly nature, was an incredible cook, loved to crochet, and tried her hand at making quilts. Throughout her life the importance of family reigned over all. Her primary mission in life was to provide for her children and grandchildren. Raffaela never spent money on frivolities and instilled these values in her children. The dissolution of her family caused her to be very protective of her own family. Through the years the family grew but would always get together to share a meal. Her generous nature was evident through her support of many causes, as well as family back home.

Beloved wife of Alberto Colantuoni. Loving mother of Agostino (Eleanor) and Caterina (Marc). Cherished Nonna of Nicolas, Emily, Isabella and Gabriel. She was survived by her husband Alberto Colantuoni.  She was predeceased by her siblings, Guiseppe (Peppe), Luigi, Carmela, Anna, and Salvatore. 

The family's heartfelt gratitude goes out to the many wonderful nurses and doctors who cared for her at The Ottawa General Hospital, 5th floor, as well as the PSWs, nurses and staff at Windsor Park Manor.  

Friends are invited to visit on Friday, September 17, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Cole Funeral Services, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa.  Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel at 12:00 p.m., with a private family interment service to follow.  Please note, there is limited attendance in the chapel to due to covid restrictions. If you would like to attend the service we ask that you please sign up using link FUNERAL SERVICE SIGN UP  or call 613-831-7122. If you wish to join the service virtually please use link FUNERAL SERVICE   at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.colefuneralservices.com