Liliana was born on March 23, 1936 in Valvasone, Italy and was the youngest of the family. Even at an early age, she was most often found outdoors doing chores and following her father into the fields. Working alongside him provided her with the knowledge and skills necessary to become both a resourceful and self-sufficient individual and a productive contributor to the family. Having spent many hours of her childhood talking with and listening to her father, it became evident to everyone that Liliana inherited his calm and steady approach to life. In 1954, she met a young man named Bruno, and in 1957 she became his wife. They went on to spend the next 68 years together until his passing in October, 2025.
Her many life adventures began with the planning of her and Bruno’s so-called honeymoon cruise. They sailed the entire Italian coastline and stopped in several ports along the way, crossed the Atlantic Ocean, until they finally docked in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1961. They made their way to Toronto where she was reunited with her entire family and where she and Bruno set down roots. Together they raised two daughters, Nadia (late John) and Gladys (Rick). Liliana was a much adored Nonna to Adam (Anisia) and Matthew (Diana). She was a very proud “Nonna Nonna” to Matteo and Marco and they knew that when they visited her they would be leaving with Kit Kat chocolate bars.
Liliana was well known for her straightforward honesty and level-headedness. She offered guidance, encouragement and assistance to others when they were faced with life’s challenges and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who asked. Liliana had a natural ability to spearhead and organise social events such as beach days at Wasaga with her siblings and their families, outings to annual club picnics and dances, and crostoli-making days, to name only a few. She enjoyed many years of bowling and won numerous trophies. She also had an unexpected sense of humour, often catching people by surprise but always ending in peals of laughter and leaving us with many great memories of her antics.
Liliana will be missed and will fondly be remembered as Zia Liana to her nieces, nephews and extended family and as Lillian or Lili to her many long-time friends and neighbours.
In lieu of flowers, the family have requested donations be made in Memory of Liliana C. Pavan to the Canadian Lung Association.
