On May 1, 2018, just short of 92 years old, Gentilina peacefully passed away in her sleep just the way she wanted. Although a very strong woman having overcome many health issues over the years, the continued and enduring effects of her having been struck by a car while coming back from shopping last fall, could not be won. Her body may have failed her but she had her wits right to the end. Gentilina left her home town of Rocca San Giovanni, Italy in 1953, on a journey by bus, sea and train with her two children to reunite with her husband in search of a better life in Vancouver. Gentilina was a fabulous cook and loved to host large gatherings for family and friends. Although her husband was the life of the party, she was the heart of the home. She will be remembered best for making you feel at home and encouraging you to eat and drink to your heart’s content. Besides family, growing flowers and vegetables was her passion and she had an incredible green thumb. She will be dearly missed by her daughter Bianca, her son Piero (Klara) and her four loving grandchildren; Mario Jr., Natasha, Sabrina and Jenine who will also forever miss their loving grandmother. She will also be greatly missed by her great-grandson Tosh and Klara’s daughter Rhea (Ian) and their son Spencer, along with Klara’s son Chris. Gentilina is survived by her siblings Florindo and Esterina and predeceased by her sister Inez, her brother Paolo, her husband Nicola and her son Mario. A very special and heartfelt thank you goes out to Grace, Maria B. and Maria W. for their unwavering gentle care and loving support for Gentilina during the past eight months. A Visitation will be held at Bell & Burnaby Funeral Chapel, 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 10, at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish located at 555 Slocan Street, Vancouver. Entombment to follow at Ocean View Burial Park, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby. In addition to Gentilina’s generosity in helping family over the years, she also supported the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Alzheimer Society, Canadian Diabetes Association and the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation. As such, and in lieu of flowers, the family encourages, and would appreciate donations to any of Gentilina’s charities of choice.

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