It is with profound sadness and much love that we mourn the sudden passing of Anita Rossi on July 14th 2021, at the age of 58. She will be dearly missed by her children, Aja Spanier and Jaden Spanier, and her fur baby Shia. She was loved and adored by a community of loving cousins, special friends, and chosen family.

An accomplished singer, Anita had a beautiful voice that touched people’s hearts.

Her career began at the age of 12, performing at weddings and festivals. She was the lead in Anything Goes at Weston Collegiate and went on to study music at Humber College. As frontwoman of the Anita Rossi Band, she rocked weddings, special events and clubs across the country, commanding every stage with (kick-ass) grace and elegance. She sang on many jingles and appeared in many TV commercials, and was the famous wedding singer in the movie Sea of Love. Her exquisite taste in fashion and the swagger with which she carried herself was awe-inspiring. Anita performed with great passion and was admired and adored by her fellow musicians, many of whom she felt honoured to stand beside.

Her greatest role was undoubtedly as a doting, proud mother to Aja and Jaden. Along with Crayne, she created the family that she had always dreamed of, and found motherhood to be her true calling. Her talents in cooking, making people laugh until they cried, multitasking, and her huge capacity for empathy made for a warm and loving family environment (as long as the kids didn’t wake up before her). She took immense pride in her children’s talents and endeavours. She admired their amazing relationships with wonderful friends, for many of whom she was a second “cool” mom. Anita had a special place in her heart for Jordan and Sierra, Aja and Jaden’s respective partners, who loved her and her famous pasta sauce.

Anita maintained deep, loving and caring relationships with many of the wonderful cousins she grew up with, including the late Adriana Facciponte. Their love and support carried her through challenging times, likewise she was always there to listen, love and support them. 

Due to her capacity for sharing and desire to engage, Anita fostered friendships new and old with boundless energy. She had an unshakable ability to connect with everyone she knew. Anita’s heart of gold led her to always reach out quickly to those in need, whether they were a close friend or an acquaintance. She had a beautiful empathetic soul that wanted to instill confidence and tell everyone that things will get better. “This too shall pass” was her mantra.

Anita loved to host parties, including memorable ones with the “Chela Chelas” complete with endless dancing and martinis. She was happiest when everyone was having the time of their lives.

Her life wasn’t always dancing and martinis. Those who knew her well know that she overcame many obstacles and struggles, from unimaginable trauma to health issues that plagued her. Anita’s remarkable drive, strength, endurance, and love of life inspired her children and those around her to believe that anything is possible.

To say she will be missed is an understatement. There will be a void for a long time to come for so many who knew and loved her. She leaves behind shoes too big to fill, and those shoes are Manolo Blahniks.

Anita’s bright light and many gifts will shine on in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved her, and in the legacy of her children.

Anita, forever loved, resting now with the angels, in peace.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation directly to the Children's Aid Foundation of Canada https://bit.ly/3wLhR16, or the charity of your choice. We do not recommend making a donation through this website.

A celebration of life with virtual viewing by Zoom is planned for Saturday, July 24th. Details will be shared via email.

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