Elena Brienza

January 18, 1939 – April 27, 2023

It is with profound sadness and deepest regrets that we announce the peaceful and graceful passing of our mother and grandmother surrounded by her family on April 27, 2023.

Elena was born in Castropignano, in the province of Campobasso, Italy on January 18, 1939, to parents Pasquale and Chiarina Chiocchio. She was the youngest of four siblings, her older brothers being Domenico, Antonio, and Graziano who have all predeceased her, including sisters-in-law Rachele and Grazia. Here she developed the always glamorous, ever-whitty personality she was loved for. She had a great zest for life that came through in everything she did; the way she laughed with, but also teased her friends whom she adored; the way she danced with her soulmate and husband Vincenzo (predeceased), whom she built a beautiful life with, the way she took pride in her work as a seamstress, and pleasure in the adventures she and Vincenzo experienced together; and the way she devoted herself to a family who loves and will miss her dearly.

Elena leaves behind daughters Luisa (Aldo) and Nikki (Bruno), son Enzo, grandchildren Daniel (Stephanie), Leah, Alesia, Oriana, sisters-in-law Domenica (Domenico), Teresa and dear nieces and nephews.

We would like to express our gratitude to the wonderful doctors and nurses at Humber River Hospital on 12 West who took care of our mom, as well as her long-time doctors, Dr. John Vecchiarelli, Dr. Sam Berger, and Dr. Joseph Zupnik for their care and support throughout the years. We would also like to thank from the bottom of our hearts the many kind and caring PSWs from Bayshore Home Care who have assisted our mother and her very special personal nurse.  

Visitation will be held at Bernardo Funeral Home (2960 Dufferin Street, south of Lawrence Avenue W.) on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 from 2 – 4 & 6 – 9 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Wilfrid’s Church (1675 Finch Avenue W., west of Keele Street) on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Following the Mass, Elena will be laid to rest at Westminster Cemetery (5830 Bathurst Street, north of Finch Avenue. W.)