TASSONE , Gina Tassone

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gina Tassone (née Tozzo) on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the age of 82 — our beloved mother, sister, nonna, great-grandmother, zia, friend, and above all, the heart of our family.

Gina was born in Serra San Bruno, Calabria, on August 19, 1942, to Salvatore and Guiseppina Tozzo and was the eldest of ten children. At 17, she captured the attention of Nazzareno Tassone. In 1960, she bravely traveled alone to Canada to be reunited with her fiancé, marrying her one true love on May 28, 1960, in Port Arthur. Together, they were blessed with five children: Bruno, Tony, Rosemary, Salvatore, and Joyce. Over the years, their family grew to include 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Gina dedicated her entire life to her family, always ensuring they were nourished and cared for. Her love of cooking and baking was appreciated by all who knew her. Lunch at her home was a cherished tradition, with children and grandchildren often stopping by for a delicious meal prepared with love.

Gina was deeply spiritual, faithfully attending Mass at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church and participating in the weekend recitations of the rosary. She also volunteered at the church, helping with meal preparation, community teas, bazaars, and weekly bingo gatherings. Her faith was a guiding force, reflected in pilgrimages to Italian cathedrals such as Santi Cosima e Damiani and Madonna dello Scoglio, as well as visits to Ignatius.

Gina loved the outdoors and took great pride in her gardens. She enjoyed summer evenings by the bonfire at Rose and John’s home. Health-conscious, she carefully managed her diabetes while allowing herself the occasional sweet treat. An avid walker, she was a familiar face in her neighborhood, and even at Pioneer Ridge, she maintained her brisk pace through the halls and courtyard.

Gina will be lovingly remembered by her five children: Bruno (Mary), Tony (Cheryl), Rosemary (John) Bennardo, Salvatore (Lina), and Joyce (Cory) Brown; her grandchildren: Lindsay (Josh) Kinger, Marcus (Alyssa) Tassone, Jennifer Tassone, Amanda (Wes) Kendel, Stacey (Mike) Martin, Gina Tassone, Tony Tassone, Melissa (Brian) Falkowski, Sara (Ryan) Steiner, Elena Bennardo, Ashley Tassone, Nazzareno Tassone, Cole Brown, Maeve Brown, and Matthew Brown; and her 9 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Sara Costanzo (Simone) and Antonio Tozzo, brother-in-law Frank Fabiano, and sister-in-law Carrie Tozzo, as well as many extended family members, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She is predeceased and now reunited with her husband, Nazzareno; her parents; brothers Cosimo, Mario, Damiano, Bruno, and Nazzareno; sisters Rita Fabiano and Bruna; and many in-laws.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff at Pioneer Ridge for the comfort and care provided in Gina’s last years, and to all who supported her and the family over the past few years.

Service Details: A funeral service to celebrate Gina’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, beginning with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m., celebrated by Father Luigi Filippini. Virtual attendance is available via St. Anthony’s RC Church YouTube page. Entombment will take place at Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum, St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pioneer Ridge Monarch Manor in Gina’s name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.

“Amor di madre, amore senza limiti”