Gina Chiarella

Gina (née Candeloro) Chiarella passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the age of 84. She leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and a lifetime of memories that will be cherished forever.

A proud wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Gina was the heart of her family, strong, loving, resilient, and unforgettable to everyone who knew her. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and nothing brought her greater pride than watching her family grow across generations.

Loving mother of Rosanne (Gary) Hamel, Jennifer (Joseph) Lanese, Luigi (Carmel) Chiarella, and Bruno Chiarella.

Devoted grandmother of Christina (John Paul) Lepiane, Michael Hamel, Marlaina (Anthony) Stifano, Alyssa (Blake) Lemire, Brandon Lanese (Alyssandra McFadden), and Sabrina Chiarella, and cherished great grandmother of Levy and Lilia Lepiane.

Gina is lovingly survived by her sister Caterina Zaffino and brother Cosmo; her sisters-in-law Alba Candeloro, Barbara Chiarella, and Ida Mete; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Nino; her parents, Bruno and Genoeffa; her brothers, Francesco and John; her sister-in-law, Elviana; and her parents-in-law, Luigi and Rosa (née Pascente), as well as many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Gina was born on March 6, 1942, in Serra San Bruno, Italy. In 1953, she immigrated to Canada with her mother and brother Cosmo, carrying with her the traditions and values that remained at the heart of her life. Proud of her Italian heritage and deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, Gina drew strength and guidance from her beliefs through both joyful and challenging times.

Family was the center of Gina’s world. She created a home filled with love, loyalty, wonderful food, and enduring traditions. She always put the needs of others before her own, giving generously and unconditionally to her children and grandchildren.

Gina shared a deep and lasting love with her husband, Nino. Married on August 18, 1962, they built a beautiful life together and raised four children, creating a family that became her greatest source of pride and joy.

She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to family and for the traditions she created through Sunday dinners, holidays, picnics, and countless gatherings that brought loved ones together. Gina was deeply involved in the lives of her family members, always present for milestones, celebrations, hardships, and the everyday moments that mattered most.

Among Gina’s greatest joys was cooking for her family. Her famous pizza became a cherished favourite, and her kitchen was the heart of her home, where memories were made and love was expressed without words. She delighted in teaching her grandchildren how to cook, passing down not only treasured recipes, but also her humour, warmth, and devotion to family.

Gina had a sharp sense of humour and a vibrant personality that naturally drew people to her. She had a remarkable gift for making friends wherever she went and left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She was also a devoted fan of Elvis Presley and proudly displayed his portrait in her home for many years, a detail that always brought a smile to visitors and became one of her many memorable trademarks.

A special thank you to Jan Michael (JM), Michelle, June, Madilyn and Kristine for the beautiful loving care they provided.

To know Gina was to know her feisty spirit. She was strong willed, outspoken, funny, protective, and truly unforgettable. Her passion, strength, and commanding presence remained with her throughout her life.

Above all, Gina will be remembered for the love she gave so freely to her family. Her presence shaped the lives of those around her in countless ways, and although she will be deeply missed, her traditions, lessons, strength, and spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved her most. Forever loved, forever remembered.

There will be visitation held at PATTERSON FUNERAL HOME, 6062 Main Street, Niagara Falls, on Thursday May 21st from 2:00pm-4:00pm & 6:00pm-8:00pm.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday May 22nd at 10:30am at Our Lady of the Scapular Church, with the Rite of Entombment to follow at Fairview Mausoleum.

In memory of Gina, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer Society of Canada or Our Lady of the Scapular Church would be appreciated.