Obituary of Mercedes Belculfine

Mercedes Ynes Orozco Belculfine was born on March 25, 1935 in Cordoba Argentina. She was one of 7 children born to Benicio and Angela. In Argentina, Mercedes worked in a school to help her family. In 1968, at the age of 33, Mercedes came to Canada on her own in search of a better life. A few years after her arrival in Canada, Mercedes met and married, Arnaldo Belculfine. They spent 25 years together in Toronto, Canada in the Rogers and Caledonia area. Through her union with Arnaldo she became an honorary Italian and embraced the culture. Family occasions would not be the same without Mercedes’ homemade biscotti. Mercedes and Arnaldo traveled often to Italy and Argentina. Mercedes worked most of her life in Canada for Weston Bakery. She was very creative and hard working. Mercedes was known to gift people with her wonderful handmade Afghans blankets, crochet sweaters and other creative works. After the death of Arnaldo in 2000, Mercedes continued to keep busy by being active in a group for older adults. She took up painting and travelled with friends to Europe and Latin America and on cruises. As a senior, Mercedes kept fit as a member of the Colombus Center and enjoyed Tai Chi and Aquafit. Mercedes never forgot the family she left behind in Argentina. She shared her success in Canada with them. In 1983 she sponsored her nephew, Ruben Parodi, to Canada. He was treated as a son by Mercedes and Arnaldo and she was fiercely proud and protective of him. In 1991 her sister Ana and her brother in law Juan joined Mercedes in Canada. Together they were often seen dancing and enjoying events in the Toronto area. Most Sundays in the summer Mercedes could be found in Ruben’s backyard enjoying an asado with family and friends. Mercedes took the role of great aunt seriously and showered love on Ruben and Vilma’s two children, Yasmin and Sebastian. In 2016 she became a great great aunt to Mateus. She also became an honorary aunt to Vilma’s side of the family and their friends who all adored her and called her “Tia”. Mercedes was a very generous person and touched many people. She was always present at events for family and friends be it births, weddings, birthdays and funerals. She was always there to show support. Mercedes had a very positive outlook on life. Even when she received the diagnosis of ALS, she was certain she would beat it. She exercised daily while she could move, convinced that the more she moved the better her chances. Mercedes was very sharp and aware. She loved deeply but also did not put up with nonsense. When she set her mind to something, she always got it done. Mercedes was always meticulously dressed. Up till the end of her life, her hair and nails were always done and she had a fashionable outfit on. Mercedes joins her sister Ana who passed away in March 2016. Please join us in celebrating Mercedes' life, on Thursday, January 5, 2017 for visiting from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at which time her Funeral Service will be celebrated at San Lorenzo Church (2981 Dufferin Street, south of Lawrence). Burial will follow at Prospect Cemetery (1450 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto). Please share in your memories, photos and sentiments of Mercedes here at her Memorial Website. Your participation in creating her legacy is appreciated. Donations in her memory can be made to the ALS Canada online using the link provided here at her Memorial Webpage. Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc. Life Celebrations. Done Differnetly.