Battiston, Leonida (née Santin)

(1930-2022)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our family Matriarch, Leonida Battiston, at the age of 91 on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Health Sciences North, Sudbury with her whole family by her side. She was born in Azzano Decimo, which is a small town in the province of Pordenone in the region of Friuli di Venezia, Italy. Loving daughter to Luigi and Guiseppina Santin (both predeceased) and sister to Alda Delbianco (predeceased), Clara Valeria (predeceased) and Anna Maria Marinelli (Italy). She immigrated to Canada in 1954 to meet up with her husband to be, Dino, who came to Canada in 1951 to find work at INCO. Leonida married Dino Battiston (predeceased) later that year in 1954 and began their family. They later had 3 boys, Sergio (predeceased) (wife Laura), Danny (wife Monica), and Eddy. A loving and proud Nonna to Lisa (Leigh), Nikki, Jacob, Cassandra (Christian), and Courtney as well as a Bisnonna to Ellie Mae, Jed and Hazel who she was so happy and fortunate to have the opportunity to visit with just prior to her passing. She will be missed by her nieces and nephews in Sudbury, Geraldton, Italy, and will also be missed by the many friends she made while living 68 years in Gatchell and the 35 years she worked at the Caruso Club as a server. Leonida was the glue that held our family together, she was the common denominator.  A very proud and hardworking woman, and a fantastic cook. The food at the family gatherings in Gatchell was “Ridiculous”. Find a spot on the couch and loosen your belt “Ridiculous”. She loved to play Bocce and the camaraderie that went along with it, going for walks, reading her romance novels, and pruning her flowers in her front yard. Leonida was a snazzy dresser and took great pride in looking and dressing good when she went out. If she had one fault, it was that she did not fully enjoy her life because she always put forth great effort and sacrifices making sure her 3 boys and their families were always taken care of. Small in stature with a huge heart, an Angel. Leonida was very witty and blessed with a great sense of humour. She would have everyone in stitches at our family gatherings and when playing Rummy 500, a game which she loved. I don’t think she knew how funny she was. Her passing has already left a hole in our hearts and will forever leave a void in our lives. There’s no one like her. We all love you!! Our family would like to thank all the Doctors, Nurses, PSW’s and staff at Health Sciences North for the great care and compassion shown during her time there. That did not go unnoticed. As per her wishes, there will be no visitation. A Private Service will be held for her family only. She was a very strong lady that would always find a way to keep it together and lead by example even after enduring many hardships along the way. She was a trooper for sure. In lieu of flowers, donations in Leonida’s memory can be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society or to Diabetes Canada would be greatly appreciated.

Ma, I hope you once again meet up with Pa, Sergio, Zia, Zio and all the family and friends that left you too early in your life.