With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Salvatorica (Rica) Ortu Noce, who left us peacefully on Monday, April 21st, 2025, surrounded by the love and presence of her family. After a brave battle with cancer, she faced her final chapter with the same courage and grace that defined her life.

Rica was the beloved wife of Enevio Noce (deceased), and a guiding light to her children and stepchildren: Maria (Tarcisio Donnini), Vittorio (Anna Tullio), Lucia (Angelo Rosato), Angelo (Shelley McColl), and Laura (Thierry Lepoutre). She poured her heart into raising a family that adored her, and she remained a nurturing, joyful force in the lives of her 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, each of whom knew her love deeply.

Born in the small Sardinian town of Paulilatino, Rica’s early life shaped her resilience and boundless spirit. Her 14 years of living and working in Rome enriched her world with opera, art, and the finesse of Italian cuisine—passions she carried with her across the ocean when she made Montreal her home in 1965.  She created a family which would adore her and gravitate around her orbit until the moment of her departure.

Rica built a life where warmth, generosity and unwavering love were ever-present.    Friends and family will deeply miss her beautiful, loving and ever generous soul.  They will also miss their spot at the finest table in town; where outrageously good food, an empathetic ear and wise life advice were all permanent fixtures on the menu.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and grace that lives on in the many lives she touched.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Urgel Bourgie / Athos Funeral Complex (6700 Beaubien Street East, Montreal) on April 24th, 2025, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. and 7:00–9:00 p.m. A ceremony will be held in the chapel of the same complex on April 25th at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rica’s memory can be made to the Cancer Research Society at donate.cancer.ca.