Lillian Selena Colello

The family of Lillian Selena (Ayre) Colello of Westmount regret to announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend on Aug. 11, 2025, at the age of 95.

Born in Sydney, Lil was the daughter of the late Samuel and Ethel Ayre, Whitney Pier. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters Mabel, Dorothy, and Josephine, and brothers Sam and Edward.

Lil was also predeceased by her husband, Nick, and daughter, Carol.

Lil and Nick were the longtime owners and operators of the Italian Village Pizzeria in Sydney, a business that grew to include the entire family. Her homemade pies were legendary in Whitney Pier.

In the summers, Lil enjoyed spending time at the campground, whether at the former Piper’s in Indian Brook, Glenview in Whycocomagh, and in her later years, the occasional trip to MacKinnon’s in East Lake Ainslie. She was a big fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, and cheered them on through good times and bad.

Lil is survived by her daughters Gina Colello and Kim (Michael) MacGarvie, and son, Nick Colello, all of Westmount. She is also survived by her grandchildren, T.J. (Natalie), Sydney; Jessica (Brandon), Edwardsville; and great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Nolan.

A funeral service will be held Friday, Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. at St. Alban’s Parish in Whitney Pier. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Cape Breton Special Olympics.