Elisa Germano Pillarella

March 21, 1920 – November 1st 2014

Elisa Germano Pillarella

Elisa passed away on Saturday, November 1st, surrounded by family and friends whom she loved and were touched by her gracious and commendable life. Elisa is survived by her loving daughter, Joyce Pillarella and son-in-law Carmine Caravaggio and her nieces Teresa and Mary Germano. Her husband Adelmo Pillarella precedes her in death.

Prepared with an education, she immigrated here in 1948 and immediately got involved in journalism and cultural associations. Always a volunteer, she created the first library at the Casa d'Italia in 1951 and helped Italians settle and find jobs. In 2013, she was selected as Casa d'Italia's 'Personality of the Year' for "Lifetime Contribution to the Promotion of Italian-Canadian Culture". Elisa dedicated her life to education. She taught Italian, Latin and Math at LaSalle Catholic High. Her interactive teaching style and the respect she showed her students left a lasting impression. In Ville Emard she was the director of PICAI's Italian school until the age of 85. 'La Maestra' as she was known, was always available. She later assisted her daughter through research and oral history, in telling the story of the Italians in Ville Emard and the untold story of the internment of Italian-Canadians. Elisa never stopped working, learning and teaching. She loved life. A tribute to her life will be celebrated on Thursday, November 6th, 2014 at 8pm.

Yves Légare Funeral Home, 7200 Newman blvd., Ville LaSalle. Thursday, November 6th, 2014 from 2-5pm and from 6-10pm. Friday November 7th, 2014 from 10am - noon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: CCPI-Casa d'Italia c/o Elisa Germano Pillarella Memorial & Bursary Fund, 505 rue Jean-Talon E., Montreal H2R 1T6