Peacefully, surrounded by loving family on Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospice, Silvana Dugan passed away at the age of 83. Beloved wife of 60 years to Dr. John Joseph Dugan. Loving mother of Jennifer (Andrew) Bates and Jeffrey (TuLe) Dugan. Cherished grandmother of Hudson, Maddy and Stella Bates, Aaron, Tori, Lilli, and Holli Dugan. Dear sister of Sergio Spisani. Predeceased by her parents Sarro and Emilia Spisani. Silvana was born in Ferrara, Italy and immigrated to Canada with her parents and brother at the age of 9. She lived in Chatham, Ontario where she excelled in school, and graduated at the accelerated age of 16. She proceeded to study at the University of Western Ontario and graduated in 1963 with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Silvana cherished her years as a math and chemistry teacher at Sarnia Central and Northern Collegiate high schools, she enjoyed playing tennis and bridge, socializing and sharing stories. She had wonderful memories of her summers at the Sarnia Riding Club with family and friends. In her younger years, she loved to travel, spent a year with her husband John living in Switzerland and travelling Europe, as well as wonderful vacations in Hawaii, Florida and the Caribbean. She will be always be admired and remembered for her cheerful spirit, remarkable strength and joyful nature throughout her many years of living with MS. Silvana will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her. A private family service will be held. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia. Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home.
