ISABELLE (ELSIE) GIACOMIN

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ISABELLE (ELSIE) GIACOMIN Peacefully on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013 Elsie Giacomin (nee Winter) passed away at Riverview Health Centre in her 96th year. Elsie was predeceased by her husband Leno Giacomin, brothers Rudy, John, Adam, Fred and Arnold; sisters Anne, Betty and Mary, and her parents Julia and John Winter. Elsie leaves to mourn her passing, her daughter Rayleen De Luca (Vince), her son Lenny, four grandchildren, Troy and Trevor De Luca and Ginelle and Jeremy Giacomin; three great-grandchildren Cassidy, Cole and Tyler De Luca; special nephew Jim Bruce, and special friends Joe Chilelli and Sam Russo Introito, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends in Canada and abroad. Elsie was born in Winnipeg and was raised in the North End. She worked for many years as a Supervisor at Eaton's Mail Order. Elsie enjoyed spending her summers at the family cottages at Grand Marais. She loved playing cards, especially challenging her son and grandchildren. The slots and Las Vegas were a favourite destination. Elsie was gifted with a tremendous sense of humour. People loved being around Elsie. Although her parents were from Austria, Elsie joined "the Italian Church", Holy Rosary, and immediately became actively involved in parish life. She was instrumental in the founding of the Holy Rosary Catholic Women's League Parish Council and was one of the Charter Members. In the early years of the C.W.L., Elsie was very active in meeting the trains to welcome immigrants from Italy. It was not unusual for her to invite the newcomers to her home to share a meal with her family. Over the years, Elsie has held a number of executive positions in the League as well as numerous convenerships. Elsie was a superb role model for her C.W.L. sisters, as well as for her daughter, whom she gently encouraged to participate at all levels of the League. Elsie was the first female church trustee for Holy Rosary and served as the first woman Parish Council Chairperson. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew that "if you can't find Gramma at home, then she must be at Holy Rosary". Elsie always found time to help others. She was the District Organizer for the Community Chest and Red Cross and volunteered at the Good Neighbours Club and the Age and Opportunity Association. Also, she canvassed for many charitable organizations, including Diabetes Association, Cancer Association, Heart and Stroke Association, and the Fred Douglas Lodge. Elsie's commitment to volunteerism and service to the community were recognized when she was awarded the Benemerenti Medal as well as a Special Apostolic Blessing from Pope John Paul II. Her good works were also acknowledged by the Holy Rosary Knights of Columbus, Council 8300. In keeping with Elsie's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service held. A celebration of Elsie's life will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Centro Caboto Centre, 1055 Wilkes Ave., Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to a charity of your choice. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff of Riverview Health Centre for their care, comfort and compassion over the last few years. A special thank you to Paul for his dedication to Mom's care.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 11, 2013