It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Grazia Centenaro of West Bay Road, N.S. on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026.

Maria was born on May 9, 1943, in Genova, Italy, to the late Querino and Ines (Narizzano) Palumbi. As a young woman, Maria worked as a pharmacy assistant in Genova. She left that life behind when she met the love of her life, Romeo, and they decided to start their life together in Canada, and ended up falling in love with Cape Breton.

Maria was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished nonna, and dear friend. Her life's work was found within her home and family. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to raising her children, creating a home filled with love, laughter, comfort, and unwavering support for her girls and her husband.

Maria was known for her infectious laugh, her patience, generosity, and quiet strength. She found joy in life's simple moments—family dinners, holiday gatherings, and time spent with those she loved most. Having grown up as a city girl, she was a country girl at heart and  had a deep appreciation for nature. Whether it was gardening, walking through the woods, watching birds at a feeder, or simply admiring the beauty of the changing seasons, she found peace and happiness in nature.

Her love for animals was equally profound. She welcomed several fur (and feather) babies, including three dogs, a racoon, a pigeon and a crow, into her heart over the years, caring for them with the same compassion and devotion she showed to family and friends. She also contributed regularly to animal charities, and never hesitated to help a creature in need, Her kindness extended to all living things, reflecting the warmth and generosity that defined her life.

Maria will be dearly missed by her loving husband, Romeo, her daughters: Silvia (Andrea) Vicentini, Genova; Loredana Austen, Halifax; and Gloria Centenaro, Treviso, and her six grandchildren: Samantha, Cameron, Alessandro, Marcello, Oscar and Maddy, and her nephew Antonello. She was predeceased by her parents, her dear sister, Vilma and her baby boy, Cristiano.

A private service will be held for immediate family.

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com