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GIUSEPPINA GUERCIO
With profound sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our much beloved mother and Nona: Giuseppina Guercio.
Left to forever remember her are her children Alberto (Karen), Luigi (Jess), Assunta (Jason), grandsons Adam, Evan, Ethan, and Nick (Lana). She is remembered by her brothers Salvatore Carvelli (Pat), Biagio Carvelli (Brenda) and brother-in law Emilio Guercio, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, godchildren, and friends.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Luigi Guercio, parents Luigi and Anna-Maria Carvelli, mother and father in-law Assunta and Alberto Guercio, sister Angelina Fiorino, brother in-law Michelle Fiorino, sister-in-law Karolyn Ryback and niece Elvira Gervino (nee Fiorino).
Giuseppina, or “Pina” as she was known by many, was born on April 24, 1940, in San Giovanni in Fiore, Italy. She grew up during a time in which there was not a lot of prosperity, but would often say despite not having material possessions, they had each other and were happy. Pina survived the passing of her father and polio at an early age, and left school early to work to contribute to her family. This tenacity and determination were evident up to her last days.
Pina arrived in Canada and settled in Winnipeg at age 18 to be reunited with her sister Angelina Fiorino (nee Carvelli). Although life in the new land was challenging and difficult, she navigated her way through with the support of family, adapting to the new language and cultural environment. She continued to hold on to her Italian customs and traditions while embracing her new Canadian life. She often told us she never wanted to leave Italy and missed her country of origin, but in time would call Canada her home, and on our many drives together would marvel at the beauty and greenery of Winnipeg summers and the Winter festive lights.
Upon her arrival to Winnipeg in 1958, Pina met her greatest love Luigi at the train station. Our mother’s beauty captivated our father and from that moment on, the love and devotion they shared was unmatched. Together Pina and Luigi learned the language and prospered as successful business owners. In 2011, during our father’s lengthy hospital stay she never left his side; a testament of their love and loyalty to each other and more importantly the type of person she was.
Her greatest gift was how she put people she encountered at ease. She equally embraced all people regardless of their ethnicity, religious background, socio-economic status or sexual orientation. Anyone who had the opportunity to meet Pina would comment on her warm smile and welcoming personality; her sense of style and class and sarcastic sense of humor left a lasting impression.
Pina’s fabulous cooking and hosting skills were where she shone and were admired and appreciated by many. Nothing brought her more pleasure than welcoming people to her kitchen table. Her generosity to all her community members at Morgan Manor with plates of pasta to her neighbours, and newcomers to the country are values she has instilled to her children. Her greatest accomplishment and joy were her children and her grandchildren whom she helped raise and was so proud of. She was the matriarch and anchor of our family and our safe place to land. She will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Ave., Reverend Father Sam Argenziano officiating. Private Entombment will take place at Green Acres Cemetery, Hwy #1 East at Navin Road. Live stream link - https://youtube.com/live/RLE2ty23U2U?
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mom's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 18, 2025