ELVIRA GERVINO (FIORINO)

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ELVIRA GERVINO (nee FIORINO) It is with profound sadness and broken hearts we announce that after a courageous struggle with cancer our beloved Elvira passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Riverview Health Centre on March 29, 2004, at the age of 44. Left to cherish her memory is her loving soul mate and companion Boris Waissbluth; her beloved daughter Ellen; her parents, Michele and Angelina Fiorino; sister Anna (brother-in-law Michael Manicotto and niece Natalie). Also left to honour and cherish her memory are numerous aunts and uncles which include, uncle Joe Fiorino (Maria) aunt Rosetta Milinazzo from Grimaldi, Italy; aunt Angela Richichi (Raffaele) uncle Salvatore Carvelli (Pat) aunt Giuseppina Guercio (Luigi) uncle Biagio Carvelli (Brenda) and Boris family, mother Maria Waissbluth and sister Sylvia Guijon (Fernando) and as well numerous cousins and dear family friends in Canada as well as in Italy. She will be sadly missed but forever in our hearts. Elvira was predeceased by her grandfather Agostino Fiorino; aunt Lidia Fiorino and uncle Ettore Milinazzo from Grimaldi, Italy. She was also predeceased by her grandmother Anna Maria Carvelli, who was her mentor during her childhood, teen and adult years. Because her grandmother was with Elvira living in the same house, Elvira looked up to her Nana for her wisdom, spirituality, love and her devotion for a peaceful world, but most of all, her faith in God. Elvira was born in Winnipeg and raised in Fort Rouge and River Heights. She attended Gladstone Elementary School, St. Ignatius and St. Marys Academy. Elvira obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Manitoba in 1980 where she was awarded the Governor Generals Bronze Medal for her outstanding studies in French. Elvira was very proud of her Italian heritage. In 1979 Elvira was crowned Miss Italy where she represented the Roma, Italy Pavilion during the week of Folkorama. She was later crowned First Princess for Miss Folklorama during the closing ceremonies. Elvira pursued many careers, teaching, worked several years at the Taxation Centre and then finally followed her dream by working with Air Canada where she had many opportunities to travel and see the world. Elviras proudest moment was when she was blessed with the birth of her daughter Ellen who has grown to be as beautiful as her Mother. Elviras family was always the most important part of her life. She loved to dance, travel and made sure that her garden was as productive as Daddys. Elvira would always accompany Boris when he played with his Band and would Latino dance the night away! Elvira was most happy when her daughter Ellen and niece Natalie would spend time together or when they used to play dress-up when they were young. Elvira will always be remembered as a hero. Throughout her battle with cancer, Elvira gave us strength with her courage and constant smiles. Her memory will always be in our hearts and mind and be that special mentor that we will always look up to. A heart of gold stopped beating, hard working hands went to rest, God took you home to prove to us, he only takes the best. Heartaches in this world are many, but losing you was worse than any. It will be lonely here without you; we will miss you more each day, for life will not be the same for us, since youve been called away. We will always remember the way you looked, the way you walked and smiled, all the things you did for us will be with us all the while. You always did your best, your heart was true and tender, you lived your life for those you loved, and those you loved will remember. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all of Elviras many friends, relatives who called, brought food, sent messages and visited during her illness. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Palliative Care Unit 3E at Riverview Health Centre and to all the Doctors, Nurses, Aides and staff who were there for Elvira and our family. In particular, a special thank you to Linda Dutton, Elviras Primary Nurse whos compassion and faith helped ensure Elviras passing was peaceful. Prayers will be said on Thursday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Ave. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 2 at 10:00 a.m. also in the Holy Rosary Church, with Reverend Father Sam Argenziano presiding. Entombment will follow in the Holy Angel Mausoleum located at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, No. 1 Highway East at Navin Rd. Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers will be Elviras beloved cousins, Agostino Fiorino, Joe Richichi, Agostino Richichi, Mark Carvelli, Paul Carvelli, Alberto Guercio, Luigi Guercio, Luigi Carvelli and Billy Carvelli. P. COUTU & CO. Funeral Directors 156 Marion St., 949-4864

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 01, 2004