Gina Lynn Corona

Gina Lynn Corona passed away on Friday, July 6, 2012 surrounded by her loving family of complications from breast cancer. Born August 23, 1961 in Marrero, LA. Survived by her parents: Charles Anthony Corona, Jr. and Anna Vicari Corona; brother Charles (Chuck) Anthony Corona III (Donna Kern Corona); sister Pamela Corona Jones; nieces Dana Corona Michell and Kaitlyn Jones, and nephews Jayden, Joseph, Travis, and Kendall Jones. Also survived by numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles. Preceded in death by her grandparents Novell and Charles Corona, Sr, and Sam and Delia Vicari. Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Services from Westside Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home Chapel, 5101 Westbank Expressway, on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 12:00 Noon. Visitation will begin at 9:00 in the morning. Interment to follow services at Westlawn Cemetery. A very special thanks to her Nanny who loved her so much and took care of her, Karen Vicari Boone, and her cousin, Kerri Winters Pellegrini and sister-in-law Donna Corona. To those who treated Gina, a very special thanks: Dr. Jayne Gurtler, Dr. Mohammed Suleman, Dr. Everett Robert, Dr. Eric Ehrensing and Hospice Associates. Special thanks to her friends who loved and took care of her: Wendy Aucoin, Cathy Ryals, Vee Terro, Marcy LeBlanc and Rhonda Boubede. Special thanks to Robert Caluda, Fr. Billy O'Riordan, and to the employees and management of Crossmark where Gina loved to work, including Barry Nelms, Kris Tesch, and Colleen Davis. Gina, your family and friends really appreciated the efforts you made on all those uphill climbs. Day in and day out you made the world a better place to live. We were lucky enough to be in your life. You are a special angel to all of us and you will be sadly missed. An online guestbook is available at www.westsideleitzeagan.com

My Life As I See It

I once attended a funeral of an aunt and when the priest asked if anyone wanted to come up and share good times about her no one budged from their pews. I finally got up from my pew and remembered the good times I had with her and shared my stories.

So I figured who better to talk about me then me, just in case no one budges from the pews.

Wow, what a great life I've had with great parents, family, friends, bosses and co-workers. I've seen the Saints win the Superbowl in 2010 - Who Dat! I wouldn't want to replace anything, well ok one thing and I bet everyone knows I wished I was skinny. Sometimes you have to take the life you're handed and deal with it. And oh, I forgot the breast cancer, which is most likely why I'm not here anymore.

Things I'm going to miss:

My family, I could not have asks for better parents then Mom and Dad. They would give me the sun and the moon if I needed it, and I'm sorry for the last few years of the extra stress I've caused with surgery's, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Thanks for peeling my seafood and providing unconditional love and support.

My brother, sister, sister-in law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins have all been great and I thank you all for your support. Especially my Nanny Karen. Thank you for all the time you stayed with me . I know it was trying on you to stay so long and I love you all the more for being with me.

My best friends Windy, Cathy, and Vee wow did I have the best. You've all put up with my driving that no one likes, cooking that no one eats, peeling my seafood and keeping hotel

rooms below 60 degrees while I suffered through hot flashes.

I don't want to forget my good friends Huey for Mardi Gras and Las Vegas trips, along with my peeps Mrs. Estelle, Mrs. Patsy and Mrs. Beverly.

My bosses, co-workers and clients. I've always been lucky and fortunate to work fora great companies with great bosses. Everyone knows how much I love my work, but it helps to always have had great bosses to help guide and develop my career. Thanks again Barry, Colleen, KC, Rhett and Kris. You have made an impact in my life. I'll have time to practice my accent, because I guess they won't understand me either.

Dr. Gurtler and her staff, I've had extra years thanks to you. It was a rough road and I learned just how tuff I was and I kicked ASS!

Gambling I hear everything in Heaven is free, but hopefully they have Heavenly Slots with the bonus rounds. Hopefully, they have internet for my iPad, because you know no ones getting my iPad, I'm taking it with me. Ok, at least the empty box. I hope they have Cajun Food, if not just send me down where it's hot and spicy. I hope upstairs I can finally peel my own seafood. I sure do miss the crawfish.

So don't cry tears of sadness but cry tears of laughter and always think of the funny things and good times that life brings. Don't ever give up on ANYTHING, and always stay strong. I refused to give up on Cancer, but sometimes it takes you anyway....

Laissez les bon temps rouler - "Let the good times roll". Watch out heaven here I come! Who Dat, coming through those pearly gates…

From “Nurse Jackie”

I want to share part of my journey with family and friends here today.

Early on my sister knew that one day Gina would become very ill and I knew then my sister would not be able to cope with the reality of losing her, so I offered to be with her through the good times and the sad times.

I packed my clothes and left my wonderful understanding husband Buddy, so I can be with my sister and her husband for several months. I must tell you what I shared with them.

I witnessed two loving parents so devoted to taking care of their daughter. What Gina wanted, Gina received.

Gina was always surrounded by family and friends who loved her.

I also experienced the beautiful person my niece Gina was, although I knew she was everything and more.

Each and every morning I would awake, and go into the room and I would ask Gina, how are you feeling this morning? I always would get the same answer, I’m fine.

Gina was a great patient, who never complained and always had us laughing, even knowing her day of living on this earth was coming to an end.

I was called nurse Jackie, although I was her nanny and my name is Karen. Gina called her brother Chuck, Nurse Connie and my daughter Kerri was the Dairy Queen, because she unselfishly came to the house practically every night from work to feed Gina ice cream and to brush her teeth.

Gina never complained about her life knowing she was going to die. She was so brave and amazing to be around. Gina loved life and wanted to live.