Gina died on July 4, 2012 at the age of 88. Beloved wife of Cesare for 66 years, mother to Lou (Denise), Anna Marie and Jon (Catherine); grandmother to Gina (Bryn), Mark, Carla, Nicole and Alessandro; great-grandmother to Owen. Gina was born on May 11, 1924 in Goriano Sicoli, in the Abruzzo region of Italy. She came to Canada in 1953, settled in Lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver, and became a Canadian citizen seven years later. She helped many Italians who were new to Canada and didn't speak English. Gina would welcome them to her home and always made the time to accompany them to buy things, go places, and learn about Canadian ways. Gina was an active, social woman who was proud of her family and her home, which she always kept immaculate. She was an excellent cook, and her family looked forward to gatherings to enjoy her delicious meals. Gina loved going on outings with Cesare, especially the many trips they took with the seniors' club at the Italian Cultural Centre in their later years. Despite being busy with her friends and her activities, Gina kept in constant contact with her children and grandchildren, always knowing what everyone was up to at any given time. She could always make her family laugh with her uninhibited, frank remarks. Gina didn't slow down until the last few years, when health challenges caught up with her. Always a determined woman, she lived in her own home until the end. She leaves behind many friends and family, including her brother Geremia DeSantis (Maria) and sister-in-law Gemma D'Angelo in North Vancouver, and cousin Matilde Santangelo in Italy. Her family especially thanks Alicia Rhodes for the assistance she provided to Gina these last few years. A special thanks to Dr. Haaf, Dr. Kroll and Dr. Chan-Yan for their excellent care and compassion over the years. Prayers will be offered on Sunday, July 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church 2725 Lonsdale Ave. North Vancouver where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 9 at 10:30 a.m., followed by entombment at the Abbey Mausoleum, Ocean View Burial Park in Burnaby. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.bellburnaby.com
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