Sister Angela Sassano of Holy Rosary Parish will be returning to Rome after nearly 30 years of service in Thorold.

It was a bittersweet feeling for Sister Angela Sassano when she received the word that she would return to Rome after 30 years of service at the Holy Rosary Parish in Thorold.

Speaking through an interpreter, Sassano said that she came to Thorold in 1979 on an exchange, though she had family in the region.

When she started here, the sisters formed a day care after seeing a need in the community.

"No one had a day care here," said Sassano. "We did it on our own."

She said she has been in Thorold for so many years that the community is like her family. And being in such a small city helps everyone get to know each other better.

"I can remember when the kids were so small," said Sassano. "And now they are very tall."

Thorold Mayor Henry D'Angela presented Sassano with a certificate in appreciation of her 30 years of dedicated service, as well as a small flag representing the City of Thorold.

"We will miss her," said D'Angela.

Sassano, who left Wednesday to return to Rome, expressed both excitement at the prospect of going back to her homeland and a tinge of sadness at having to leave relatives living here.

"Maybe she will come and visit us," said parishioner Maria Faloro.