Santina “Lidia” Pharès (née Causarano)
June 7, 2025
Unexpectedly on June 7, 2025, in her 93rd year of life, surrounded by her family and her “tre tesori”, in London, Ontario. Beloved wife of over 60 years to the late Robert Pharès. Devoted and loving mother of Daniela (Gene) and Gino (Tina). Treasured nonna to Adam (Catie), Michael (Magda), Paul (Olivia), Robert (Keri), Marc, and Jessica (Erick). Adored bisnonna and babysitter of Melanie, Violet, Charlotte, Benjamin, and Oliver. Respected and cherished zia to Mariagrazia (Stefano), Mario, Patrick (Cathy). Predeceased by her sisters, Rina and Rosella, and her brother, Nicola. Survived by her sister Romi (Giuseppe). Immensely missed by Linda, Hayden, Jenny, Ann, Debbie, and by many members of the Tobgi, Adm, Acquaviva, D’Oria, Longo, Galati, and Labossière families. Fondly remembered by her dear friends of Borden Street and Spruce Street.
Lidia was born on October 26, 1932, in Alexandria, Egypt, to Luigi and Adriana Causarano. She proudly served as an Executive Assistant at Ansaldo Energia before immigrating to London, Ontario, in 1964. Skilled in Italian, French, Arabic and eventually English, Lidia had a particular passion for languages and literature, which she passed down in the family for multiple generations. She was a talented writer, artist, knitter, and cook, in particular. She loved classical music, reading, playing cards, international politics, watching tennis, and babysitting her great-grandchildren. Above of all things, she loved being a nonna, and was instrumental in all of her grandchildren’s successful careers. Lidia had a special ability to connect with others. Until her very last breath, she was creative and sharp-witted, and was especially known for her selflessness, strong faith, compassion for others, and love for family. Lidia will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched.
Visitation will take place on Friday, June 13, between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. at Northview Funeral Chapel, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London. A funeral mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Parish, 1251 Dundas Street, London, followed by a burial service at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 806 Victoria Street, London. For those unable to attend the funeral mass, a livestream is available at www.familyofparishes.ca. Family and friends are then invited to return to Northview Funeral Chapel for a celebration of life reception. Memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.
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Once I met this gracious and dynamic lady, she went straight to my heart and never left. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your great loss. I would also like to wish you much peace and joy in celebrating her life today, and always.
Firstly, sincerest condoglianze a voi tutti in famiglia. It is very difficult to know where to begin this as we have been lucky to be part of the Phares extended family for many years. The D'Alessandro and Phares family became best of friends in the late 1960's and the rest is history as they say. We became Compari 4 different ways through communion, confirmation and even marriage where Compare Roberto and Comare Lidia were best man and maid of honor at my sister's wedding. As chldren, my sister and I had the pleasure of being taught proper Italian and how to express ourselves, write and read as we did for quite a few years as Comare was a gifted lady and our teacher. Even though we loved to do this with her, we really couldn't wait till the fun began. Gino and Daniela had to finish their piano lessons though before this could begin. We spent so many saturdays together as children as we are the same ages as Daniela and Gino and so the Phares home was always the fun home, party home, neighbourhood home where many of us had the pleasure of enjoying all the love and many fun times for sure. So many hours spent in the pool once we too all started having kids and it just went on and on, bingos in the winter, many christmases together. Comare was a kind, loving, caring woman who loved to cook and mostly loved her family and the extended ones too very fiercely. There wasn't much she wouldn't do for her family. I could go on as I have but in finishing this, we would like to say a huge Grazie Comare for blessing our lives with you presence, Amore, and all the wonderful times spent together. Riposa in Pace Comare, Maria, Tony, Nick e Maria Rosa D'Oria
Romi, Daniela, and Gino. I was sorry to read, in the Free Press this morning, about Lidia’s leaving the physical world for the spiritual one. Please, accept my sympathy and condolences. I don’t think I even knew that she and I shared a birthday. 🙏💕
Our deepest condolences to the family on the passing of your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was always smiling whenever we visited and saw her. Big hugs to all.
Services for Santina “Lidia” Pharès (née Causarano)
Visitation will be held at:
Northview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario
June 13, 2025 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Funeral Mass will be held at:
St. Patrick's Parish,
1251 Dundas Street,
London, Ontario
June 13, 2025 11:00 am
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When I first met Lidia she was a very kind and sweet lady. Her smile lit up the room. She will be missed dearly . My condolences to Daniela and family.
~ Christina