It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother and Nonna, Giovanna at the age of 81 on Friday, February 23, 2024 in her home surrounded by her loved ones. Mom is now reunited with Dad, Tony, in Heaven after 21 long years apart and they are now together, dancing among the stars.
Beloved mom of Joe Mignacca, Stefanie Hay, Rita Mannarino and her son-in-law Fern, whom she loved like a son. Proud Nonna of Kristin Hay (Paul Bradford), Lauren Mannarino (Mike Culina) and Anthony Mannarino (Kayleigh Tucker). Her grandchildren were the light of her life and her pride and joy.
Giovanna was born on June 9, 1942 in St. Clemente di Galluccio, Caserta, Italy to Carmine and Amelia Biasucci (nee DeBellis). She is the dear sister of Angela Perna (late Nicandro) of Italy, Maria Salvati (late Giuseppi) of Italy, Filomena Calabrese (Ernesto) of Italy, Elida Iorio (late Nicola) of Italy, Gennaro Biasucci (Albina), Amato Biasucci (Yolanda), Carmelina Grande (Nicandro) of Italy and Sam Biasucci (Anna). She will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, both in Canada and Italy.
Giovanna and Tony immigrated from Italy in January 1968 and built a beautiful life in Canada where they raised their three children. Giovanna always had a love for gardening and loved flowers of all kinds and she shared that love with everyone, especially her grandchildren. When each of her grandchildren were born, she knit them sweaters, booties and blankets that were infused with her love. There wasn’t anything that she couldn’t do or wasn’t willing to learn. She overcame many challenges throughout the years, and having been born during World War II she was not a stranger to hard work and sacrifices. Despite that, she was always kind, generous and loving to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.
When she lost Tony 21 years ago, she faced another life challenge in learning to live life on her own, with the love and support of her children. There was nothing that Giovanna couldn’t accomplish, she truly was a remarkable woman who was loved by all who knew her. Although she’d often say, I’m too old to learn new things, she continued to learn and grow as a person and was always open minded to new ways of thinking and doing. She was extremely intelligent and even taught herself to fluently speak, read and write English after moving to Canada with Tony and their 2 small children.
Giovanna was a friend to many and was loved by all. A special thank you to her very good friend Francesca Febrarro who went above and beyond for her and our family, especially in our Mom’s final days.
Special thank you to Dr. Karen Booth, Kari-Lyn Parent, RN (NELHIN care coordinator), Susie, Shannon, Jamie and Leo from Bayshore and Mary and Bella from Care Partners for their exceptional care during the last weeks of our Mom’s life.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Webb, Dr. Golesic, Dr. Shaffiee and the SAH Renal Clinic staff for their exceptional care of our Mom over the past few years.
A private family service will be held. Memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). www.northwoodfuneral.com
“Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything” – C.S Lewis