Born in Milano, Italy, she came to Canada with her parents Lydia & Armando, when she was 6 years old.
She dated Adolfo in 1968 and then each went their separate ways. Being a strong single working mother she raised her daughter, Mia, and also began dancing in various theater productions. She reconnected with Adolfo and they married in 1987. Together, during their 34 years of marriage, they raised their four daughters sharing their love of each other, family, food and travel.
In 2001, she bravely battled breast cancer. Despite her illness, she remained positive and optimistic. Shortly after she retired in 2012 she enjoyed the birth of her first grandchild (Sloan). She continued to spend her happy retirement years with boundless energy as a very proud nonna, spending time with family, friends, traveling, and volunteering for numerous activities.
In 2018 she began another challenging battle with pancreatic cancer with composure and serenity. Her strong will, love of family, friends & overall zest of life, kept her going. Her strength, courage & positivity was inspirational to many who knew her including her doctors and caregivers.
She is survived by her loving husband Adolfo; daughters Nadine, Mia (Eli), Anik, Jacinthe (JP); loving sister Sylvia (Pierre); nephews Simon (Christina), Philippe (Celine), Daniel (Lindsay) & great nephews, Zachary & Louis. The light of her life and pride were her adoring grandchildren, Sloan, Xavier, Harry and Percy. Her heart was full of happiness and felt enriched.
A classy elegant woman of natural beauty, Marina was a loving and caring person, always gracing us with so much laughter, a sparkling personality, a beautiful singing voice and a knack for living every day to the fullest.
She was grateful to her many dear friends who supported her throughout these last few trying years. She always remembered their graciousness, love, the memories and laughter that they all shared.
Our family thanks you for your friendship and in keeping her company during her time of need.
Her warm and welcoming smile, hugs and spirit will be tremendously missed by all.
Marina loved quotes and below is one by Henry van Dyke that she had selected before her passing:
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TIME IS
Too Slow for those who Wait,
Too Swift for those who Fear,
Too Long for those who Grieve,
Too Short for those who Rejoice;
But for those who Love,
Time is Eternity.
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We will love you for all eternity. Sleep well, until we meet again.
Marina was a strong advocate in helping to keep raising awareness and funds for all cancer research.
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations, in her memory, to:
Pancreatic Cancer Canada WAYS TO GIVE - Pancreatic Cancer Canada and/or to
Terry Fox Foundation of Canada Tribute Donations (terryfox.ca)
The family is also extending deep gratitude to the care staff at Maison Source Bleue. They were very compassionate and took care of Marina with exceptional dignity and respect during her final days. We thank them for letting her go with grace. Donations, to continue their exceptional care, can also be made to the Maison Source Bleue Foundation
Marina had requested there be no funeral service. However the immediate family will gather for an intimate ceremony at a later date. Please feel free to sign our guest book on this site or on her Facebook page. We will then gather all sentiments, anecdotes and create a book to honour her memory
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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