Obituary for Evelina Ghersinich
Ghersinich, Evelina (nee Riccoboni)
July 8, 1930- January 9, 2021
After a long and happy life of 90 years, it is with heavy hearts our family announces the peaceful passing of Evelina Ghersinich, affectionately known as “Nonna” to all family members and friends, on January 09, 2021.
Born in Albareto, Italy on July 08, 1930, Evelina was an adventurous soul leaving home at the age of 20 to go to work in England then moved halfway across the world to pursue her heart, landing in Beardmore Ontario in November 1953 at the ripe old age of 23. There she caught up with the handsome young sergeant she was introduced to years earlier by her cousin. Evelina and Milovan were married on December 6, 1953 and spent 9 wonderful years working in lumber camps, enjoying the northern wilderness and raising their young family (Claudio, 1956; Silvana, 1961). Looking for a change and after a brief stint in Montreal, the family settled in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) in the summer of 1963. Never one to be idle, Evelina took on a twelve-month contract in the sewing room at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital that lasted 26 years until her retirement in 1989. She chose early retirement so she could spend more time traveling and enjoying time with Milovan who had retired a year earlier. They spent their golden years, tending to her garden, searching for elusive mushrooms and wild berries in the hills around Thunder Bay, or hunting and fishing with friends. The Travel bug was never far from Evelina’s heart, always taking the opportunity when presented to visit family, relatives and friends throughout North America and Europe. When not traveling or out in the wilderness, Evelina could be found fussing over; taking care of; or visiting her grandchildren Kayla (1987), Christopher (1990), Melissa (1992) and Nicole (1994). When time caught up with Milovan in the spring of 2007 it left even more time for nurturing relationships with them. They were her pride and joy in the twilight years.
After making the decision to sell her home on Dublin Ave in the summer 2013 she spent over 5 years at Chartwells Thunder Bay Retirement Residence where she made many new friends. In February 2019 she relocated to Southbridge Roseview Manor. Staff at both facilities were quickly affected by Evelina’s kind and jovial demeanor and they soon became part of her circle of friends, all calling her “Nonna”.
She will forever be remembered by her children, Claudio Ghersinich (Reina) and Silvana Doiron (Ron); her grandchildren Kayla Doiron (Mike), Christopher Ghersinich (Allison), Melissa Dohan (Justin and great granddaughter Evelyn), Nicole Ghersinich, her many nieces, nephews and extended family in North America, Italy and Croatia.
“It’s the little things that make memories special…!”
Claudio “going to miss your blueberry pies…”; Reina” going to miss those Italian cooking lessons…”
Silvana “miss saying “salute” at our meals together…; Ron “will miss your moose roasting instructions…”
Kayla “going to miss those relaxing back rubs…”; Missy” will miss your buttered toast and sleepovers…”
Chris” lost my supply of star soup and crostoli…”; Nicole” missing your helping hand with my horses…”
Because of COVID there will be no funeral service. The family plans to arrange a celebration of Evelina’s life when large gatherings are again permitted.
July 8, 1930- January 9, 2021
After a long and happy life of 90 years, it is with heavy hearts our family announces the peaceful passing of Evelina Ghersinich, affectionately known as “Nonna” to all family members and friends, on January 09, 2021.
Born in Albareto, Italy on July 08, 1930, Evelina was an adventurous soul leaving home at the age of 20 to go to work in England then moved halfway across the world to pursue her heart, landing in Beardmore Ontario in November 1953 at the ripe old age of 23. There she caught up with the handsome young sergeant she was introduced to years earlier by her cousin. Evelina and Milovan were married on December 6, 1953 and spent 9 wonderful years working in lumber camps, enjoying the northern wilderness and raising their young family (Claudio, 1956; Silvana, 1961). Looking for a change and after a brief stint in Montreal, the family settled in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) in the summer of 1963. Never one to be idle, Evelina took on a twelve-month contract in the sewing room at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital that lasted 26 years until her retirement in 1989. She chose early retirement so she could spend more time traveling and enjoying time with Milovan who had retired a year earlier. They spent their golden years, tending to her garden, searching for elusive mushrooms and wild berries in the hills around Thunder Bay, or hunting and fishing with friends. The Travel bug was never far from Evelina’s heart, always taking the opportunity when presented to visit family, relatives and friends throughout North America and Europe. When not traveling or out in the wilderness, Evelina could be found fussing over; taking care of; or visiting her grandchildren Kayla (1987), Christopher (1990), Melissa (1992) and Nicole (1994). When time caught up with Milovan in the spring of 2007 it left even more time for nurturing relationships with them. They were her pride and joy in the twilight years.
After making the decision to sell her home on Dublin Ave in the summer 2013 she spent over 5 years at Chartwells Thunder Bay Retirement Residence where she made many new friends. In February 2019 she relocated to Southbridge Roseview Manor. Staff at both facilities were quickly affected by Evelina’s kind and jovial demeanor and they soon became part of her circle of friends, all calling her “Nonna”.
She will forever be remembered by her children, Claudio Ghersinich (Reina) and Silvana Doiron (Ron); her grandchildren Kayla Doiron (Mike), Christopher Ghersinich (Allison), Melissa Dohan (Justin and great granddaughter Evelyn), Nicole Ghersinich, her many nieces, nephews and extended family in North America, Italy and Croatia.
“It’s the little things that make memories special…!”
Claudio “going to miss your blueberry pies…”; Reina” going to miss those Italian cooking lessons…”
Silvana “miss saying “salute” at our meals together…; Ron “will miss your moose roasting instructions…”
Kayla “going to miss those relaxing back rubs…”; Missy” will miss your buttered toast and sleepovers…”
Chris” lost my supply of star soup and crostoli…”; Nicole” missing your helping hand with my horses…”
Because of COVID there will be no funeral service. The family plans to arrange a celebration of Evelina’s life when large gatherings are again permitted.