GINA MARI GRESTONI

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GINA MARI GRESTONI

April 8, 1930 - January 16, 2025

Our beloved mother passed from this world on January 16, 2025.

She was predeceased by her husband Gilberto, son Angelo, grandson Matthew and was the last of her Italian family. She will be remembered always as a loving and awesome mother to Roger (Adeline), Dom (Jacquie), Angelo (Leigh) and Gabriella (Carey). She will be forever cherished as Nonna by 10 grandchildren and Bisnonna to two great-grandchildren. Our hearts are broken but our memories are forever.

Mom was born in Monterosso, a small town in the Italian Marche region. It was there that the foundation that served her well for her lifetime was built from the every day challenge to make a living for survival on the family farm. The necessity of hard work became a regular habit with her and she joyfully did her part and more to get things done. Her family struggled through the Second World War but survived and continued to get by after the war but eventually opportunity beckoned and the lure of a new life in Canada. In the spring of 1961, with three young children and mostly hope, she set off leaving her Italian life and family behind to join husband Gilberto in Winnipeg, that remained her home until her passing.

The Canadian life at first was not easy with a new language to learn and new skills to develop. She got her first job at Red Top and with her fierce determination and hard work never looked back. A new daughter brought new joy to the family. Our mom loved people and socializing, was an avid bowler, Bocce player and above all always a doer. She took pride in her exceptional memory of life experiences and sharp intellect to figure out what needed to be done. If you talked too much, she would just remain silent and roll those beautiful blue eyes skyward and shake her head. If you needed help, she was there and especially if you needed to be fed. The food may have not been overly fancy, but it was always wholesome and plentiful. Many of our friends enjoyed the bounty of her cooking and hospitality, and the home made wine was always a must have.

Mom maintained a strong faith and family values throughout her lifetime although the last few months she wondered why God wasn’t hearing her. Her wish was granted and she passed peacefully.

Mamma, ti avremo sempre nei nostri ricordi. Riposa in pace eterna.

Funeral mass will be held at Holy Cross Church, 252 Dubuc St., January 30 at 11:30 a.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 25, 2025