It is with profound sadness that the children of Gilda Fabiano announce her peaceful passing on July 23, 2025, at the age of 97.
Gilda was born on September 10, 1927, in Paterno Calabro, Italy. She was the first-born child of Giuseppe and Giuseppina Bruno. She later married the love of her life, Luigi Fabiano. Together, they built a beautiful life and created a warm, loving home for their five children: Pietro, Maria, Rita, and Joe were born in Italy, and Dino was born after the family immigrated to Thunder Bay.
On December 8, 1961, Gilda began her journey from Italy to Canada. She traveled aboard the Comaric with her children Maria, Rita, and Joe, landing in Halifax before taking the train to Montreal and finally arriving in Thunder Bay (then Port Arthur) on December 18th. There, they reunited with her husband Luigi and their eldest son Pietro.
Widowed at a young age, Gilda faced life’s challenges with strength and resilience. She raised her children, along with nephews Frank, Tony, and Joe, in her small but vibrant home on Markland Street, which was always filled with laughter, love, and the comforting aroma of her cooking. She worked at the NorShor hotel, where she made many friends and picked up new recipes to add to her collection.
Gilda’s greatest joy was caring for her family. She was generous to a fault, and her love was most often expressed through food. An incredible cook and devoted baker, Gilda welcomed everyone into her home with open arms and a warm meal—no one ever left empty-handed. She continued to care for others this way until a recent fall began to affect her health.
Proud of her Italian heritage, Gilda continued many beloved traditions throughout her life, including sausage making, preserving and Italian baking, which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Her love, kindness, and unwavering spirit will be missed by all who knew her.
She was a woman of deep faith and attended church as often as she could. Gilda also upheld cherished traditions, and whenever someone in the family needed protection from the Malocchio (evil eye), she was always ready to help with her rituals and prayers.
Gilda will be deeply missed by her children: Pietro (late) Lena; Maria (Mario) Berardi; Rita (Settimio)(late) Arella; Joe (Cheryl) and Dino (Michelle). She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Rosetta (Ken) Fong, Lui (Lacy) Fabiano, Adriana (Cosimo) Crupi, Dave Berardi (Vanessa), Danny (Laura), Dino (Lori) Arella, Robert (Debbie) Berardi, Sam (Adriana) Arella, Ryan, and Adam (Stephanie) Fabiano. Gilda leaves behind a legacy of love through her great-grandchildren: Andrew, Nicole (Shawn), Cris, Nicholas (Jayna), Isabel (Matty), Barbie, Nicholas (Kristen), Ashley (Tyler), Daniel, Ethan, Kayden, Markus, Anthony, Ava, Theo, and Wren. She was also blessed with two great-great-grandchildren, Landon and Olivia. She is survived by her dear sisters Maria and Franca (Rick), and by special nephews Frank and Tony (Maria) Fabiano. Gilda will also be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and extended family in Canada, Italy, and the US.
Gilda was predeceased by her loving husband Luigi, parents Giuseppe and Giuseppina, son Pietro, siblings Antonio, Francesco, and Rita. Also predeceased by her son-in-law Settimio (Sam) Arella, sisters- and brothers-in-law, and special nephew Giuseppe Fabiano, as well as other beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins in both Thunder Bay, Italy and US.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Hogarth Riverview Manor and to everyone who supported us during this very difficult time.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, officiated by Father Luigi Filippini. Visitation for family and friends will take place one hour prior to the Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. at St Anthonys Roman Catholic Church. A private Entombment will take place at Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum. If friends so desire, donations in Gilda’s memory may be made to the Hearing Foundation of Canada (hearingfoundation.ca) or to a charity of your choice. Your generosity is sincerely appreciated. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
