OBITUARY
Fiorenza Ann (nee Gleasure) Hawryluk
February 8, 1959 – February 12, 2021
Taken from us far too soon, Fiorenza Gleasure Hawryluk died on February 12, 2021 at Princess Margaret Hospital with her husband and soulmate Stephen Hawryluk and daughter Stephanie Hawryluk Brown at her side. Fiorenza was born on February 8, 1959 in Vicenza, Italy to Richard Gleasure and Nicolina Lembo. Like her mother, she comfortably bridged two worlds, Canadian and Italian (“mescola col wooden spoon”). She was educated in Italy and Canada and attended Loretto Abbey. A graduate of the University of Toronto, she was a peerless organizer and researcher, who brought order and method to the workplace. Fiorenza was a renowned cook and baker and was generous in sharing the bounty from her kitchen. Her lemon cookies were a Christmas tradition. She was also the family genealogist. Her innate curiosity and zest for learning were constants in her life. She will be remembered as a woman of indomitable strength, courage, grace and compassion. Fiorenza is survived by her adored and adoring husband Stephen, her brothers Richard (Donna) and Anthony (Lillian) and their families and by her daughter Stephanie (Kyle) and grandchildren William, Sloane and Sebastian. A wide circle of friends and relatives from all around the globe also mourn her passing. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will occur at a later date. If desired, donations may be made in Fiorenza’s memory to either Women’s College Hospital or Princess Margaret Hospital.
Services
2 March |
Memorial Service11:00 am - 12:30 pm Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home |
OTHER SERVICES:
Private Family Cremation
Memories
Fiorenza Ann (nee Gleasure) Hawryluk
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYJessica G
March 1, 2021
Fiore was a cheerleader.
I’ve often said that people come into your life for a reason, or for a season. How does Fiore fit into this? Our friendship evolved through circumstances relating to change (personal and professional).
I wonder now if Fiore had a way of knowing when someone needed to hear from her. Just when you were caught up in despair or self-doubt, she’d call out of the blue, provide a different perspective, soon switching you to a positive outlook. Looking back now, I realize she was always rooting in my corner, I’m sure in yours too. More importantly, Miss Fiore, my steadfast cheerleader, always seemed to believe in you when you needed it most. I don’t remember all of our specific conversations – we’ve had a lot happen over the years, but I do remember us throwing our heads back with laughter throughout it all. I’ll definitely miss your joyful, infectious laugh, Miss Fiore. I thank you for the seasons we shared. Rest in Power.
Donna Gleasure
February 27, 2021
My dear Stephen and Stephanie,
As I write this I'm not sure how life will ever be the same without our darling Fiorenza. I have so many memories from over the years as not just her sister-in-law but as her sister. We had so much fun together.
Richard and I were so looking forward to finally travelling to Italy with you, both. When the day finally comes that we can travel again, Italy will be the first place we will visit and I have no doubt she will be with us.
I will never forget Fiorenza coming to help me after my surgery in 2018. She dropped everything and came because she knew I would need help. True to her nature, she cooked and cleaned and took such good care of me. She even drove my truck and took Zaine for his walks. There was nothing she wouldn't try and was simply amazing.
I will miss her terribly. May God Bless and Keep her and both of you.
Your loving Donna
Leonard Nimoy said "A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had but not preserved, except in memory." My memories will be filled with Fiorenza.
Vivianne Farley
February 27, 2021
It is very sad news to know that Fiore has passed on. I’m sending my sincerest condolences to all who loved her.
My fond memories of Fiore go way back to our childhood when our parents shared a great friendship. My brother is named after her Dad Richard as an honour of that friendship.
Fiore was often at our house for play dates or I at hers. We were so young that I couldn’t pronounce her named & so I always called her ‘Fury’.
I remember going for rides in her Dad’s Volkswagen Beetle with her... .and that was so cool at the time!
Fiore will always be a big part of my many happy childhood memories.
I am so sorry for your loss & I pray that you take comfort in all your great memories. Rest peaceful Dear Fiore.
Sincerely, Vivianne Farley
Rachael Andrews
February 26, 2021
Fiorenza was a kind, generous and compassionate person. She will be in my heart forever. May Fiorenza rest in peace.
Jackie and Thomas Gleasure
February 25, 2021
Can't believe that Fiorenza has left this earth and gone to a better place.
We have lovely memories of your short visit to Knockleigh Ireland with Stephen and friends. Sitting around the kitchen table with tea and cake full of chat and laugher.
God bless you.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss Stephen, Stephanie, Richard and Anthony and all your families.
Thomas. Jackie and family (Gleasure
Jill Williams
February 25, 2021
The universe lost a most amazing soul. One of my most dear friends is gone.
Fiorenza was literally the smartest person I knew. She read endlessly. She took the annual “most books withdrawn from the Toronto Library” title at least once but was always in the running (you’re welcome for those who didn’t even know that was a thing). She spoke at least 3 languages - Italian, English and French. Knowing her, she had a couple tucked away that I didn’t even know about.
Her cooking! There are no words to describe the endless evenings around perfect tables with perfect hosts and amazing company. So many of my most perfect memories took place around Fiore and Stephen’s table. Everybody needs that person who they can ask anything to - literally anything - the deepest of conversations to the mundane - “can I reuse parchment paper”? Her phone was littered with my (almost) daily and (mostly) mundane texts. I can’t believe she is gone. Fiore, you were loved dearly. You will be missed fiercely.
Kate Novykova
February 24, 2021
Stephen, I am so sorry to hear about Fiorenza's passing. I will always remember her as a cheerful, inspiring and happy person. My deepest condolences. She will always be in my heart.
Adriana Sacchi
February 22, 2021
Dear Stephen, I only now learn the sad news. I am truly heartbroken and speechless. Fiorenza will always remain in my heart. I send you a big hug.
Adriana, from Rome
James and Eira Gleasure
February 22, 2021
Dear Stephen and Stephanie,
We are with you in your grief for such a wonderful life partner and mother. Our memories will always be with us, both in Toronto and here in Scotland and Wales. Fiorenza was a wonderful cousin and friend whom we shall cherish forever. May she rest in peace with her beloved parents.
With all our love.
Julian Chapman
February 22, 2021
Dear Stephen and Stephanie,
Words cannot describe the loss you must be feeling. Please remember that we are with you. As you know, I have known Fiore for a very long time. She was always like a big sister for me, and certainly, in her Forrest days, she helped me out so much. As a testament to her legacy, the Forrest team is in shock and has expressed their admiration for Fiore not just as a co-worker but also as a wonderful human being.
I hope these words help give you solace. We will all miss her, and the one thing that we have is our memories.
Julian
Dr. Jill Rocha
February 21, 2021
To Stephen and Fiorenza
We all only knew Fiorenza through her cousin Suza, here in New Zealand.
Suza always spoke so lovingly of her favorite cousin, Fiore. How elelgant, clever, loving, kind, and so full of pazzaz.
The times you all spent together
How she loved being with 'the two most in love couple' she had ever known.
How wonderful is that
God be with you, and tell those Angels how lucky they are to have her.
Kia Kaha Stephen
Jill Rocha, Gloria Hardy, Aram Goes,
Suza's housemates🙏🙏🙏
Suza, and Jill Katene-Cotton and Rocha
February 21, 2021
Darling Fiorenza, so dynamic,funny,beautiful,caring,knowledgeable, and so much more.
My lovely cousin
This is a photo of 1997, when you visited me in England, and I took you to Ireland on a, too short, tour of our relatives
Cousins Anne,Frank,me,Patric and you., I think Stephen took the photo
Wonderful memories , love always in my heart
Suza🌻
Yolanda Bronstein
February 21, 2021
In memory of a beautiful, elegant and strong woman. Fiorenza, thank you for sharing your amazing jams with mom and I - your black current jam was the best I ever had.
Mom and I remember you fondly, you are in our thoughts and prayers, Yolanda and Ria
Giovanna Lucchini
February 20, 2021
Dear Stephen and dear Stephanie,
We are very close to you at this painful time.
We want to remember Fiorenza's radiance, kindness and selflessness. I considered her not only a cousin, but as a distant sister.
She was very attached to Italy and her relatives.
I like to remember her as a child when her parents came to visit us and we played together in the garden,
I like to remember her when we came to Canada to visit her and her mom Nicolina in Kelowna with all my family.
Finally, I like to remember her on our last trip to Verona with Stephen, and the beautiful day we spent on Lake Garda.
My dear Stephen and dear Stephanie we don't know how to express the sadness we feel for your loss, but we are sure that she has left no one behind, and she will always be with us in our memories, thoughts and hearts.
Giovanna Lucchini Damiani, Gigi, Valentina and Nicolò Damiani
valentina damiani
February 20, 2021
Remembering her wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. May she rest in peace. Valentina, Filippo and Achille Damiani Nardo
Joe Raimondo
February 20, 2021
Fiorenza was a wonderful and generous friend. My family and I will cherish our memories of cafe and feste with her and Steve forever. She is truly with God looking over us now.
Love Joe and Lucia
Susan Laidlaw
February 20, 2021
Dear Stephen, Stephanie and family,
We were so sad to hear this awful news about Fiorenza, our warm and friendly neighbour from long ago on Joicey Blvd. We have many good memories of a kind and generous person, always welcoming and hospitable. Her kindness will always be remembered by our whole family, as our children spent many happy backyard times playing with Stephanie. It is hard to think that such a lovely spirit has been taken away so soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you try and cope with this terrible loss.
With heartful condolences from the Laidlaw family - Sue, Katherine, Caroline, Sarah and Christian
Giuseppe Lembo
February 20, 2021
Woman of two worlds: she made her first Atlantic cross a few months after birth to her new home in Toronto but at the age of two, entrusted to a hostess, she was already back in Italy to meet her maternal relatives. And so it has been throughout her life, a coming and going which allowed her to grow in different cultures. Classical studies (Latin and ancient Greek) and master in modern languages such as English, Italian and French. Affectionate wife, caring mother and very fond of her grandchildren, she managed to maintain strong and continuous relationship with numerous relatives and friends around the world. This and much more was my dearest niece Fiorenza that and incurable disease has taken us away prematurely. ADDIO
Valerio & Sara Occorsio Farina
February 19, 2021
Fiore was a kind , generous and lovely friend
We had such an unforgettable time together
We will never forget you
Ciao sweetheart <3
Suza Katene-Cotton nee Gleasure
February 19, 2021
My dearest Fiore and Stephen
Your love for each other was an amazing inspiration for all to behold.
For me, the epitome of a love we would all wish for.
So sad for you leaving us too soon, but always 'the dearest and the best' are taken to be with our God.
For us, especially you, dear Stephen, take heart, how loved is, and was she. Will always be in our hearts and prayers💕
Suza
Michael Clark
February 19, 2021
The world is less a truly wonderful human being. It was a great pleasure working with Fiore at Forrest. I recall a "recommendation" I offered Fiore on LinkedIn : "Integrity seems like such an old-fashioned word, but in these times of rapid change it could not be more important. The person of integrity provides us with a centre that holds, a touchstone by which we stay grounded. Fiore is integrity incarnate: relentlessly reliable, stability amidst chaos, a force to lead us with firm confidence who "walks the walk". That Fiore also comes with outstanding competence at whatever she puts her mind to, is more than just icing on the cake; it makes her an extraordinarily valuable asset for anyone fortunate enough to have her on their team." Fiore will be missed and remembered.
Pam Arseneau
February 19, 2021
I'm so saddened to have lost such a true and lovely friend. Fiore was always so giving of her time, her heart, her mind; she packed our times together with compassion, understanding, an always-impressive breadth of knowledge and curiosity - and humour (I loved her infectious laugh!!) Firmly grounded and with an open and caring heart, she talked and listened with equal depth and generosity and I always left our times together feeling enriched and grateful. I miss my very special friend already.
Marsali Federico
February 18, 2021
Fiore was a generous, warm, caring and compassionate colleague and a brilliant mentor and teacher. I learned so much from her during our time together. She will be missed.
Fabiola Novak
February 18, 2021
Always loved the visits with Fiore and her family. We would go to Weston or they would come to Cambridge. Here is a photo taken approx 1963 with Grace, Fiore, Fabiola and Carol. This was taken at our Cambridge home.
Always loved her smile.
Richard Gleasure
February 16, 2021
Fiorenza was a very special person and we were truly blessed to have her present in our lives. She was a great friend and the just the best sister. Thank you for all your love. We will so miss you...
Sei stata una magnifica sorella! Resta in pace cara Fiorenza!
stephen hawryluk
February 16, 2021
My adoring and adored Fiorenza, with me in Sardegna (her favourite place).
I will have you in my heart forever.