It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gina Tassone (nee Tozzo) on Friday August 8, 2025 at the age of 82 our beloved mother, sister, nonna, and great grandmother, zia, friend and above all the heart of our family. Gina was born in Serra San Bruno, Calabria on August 19, 1942 to Salvatore and Guiseppina Tozzo and was the eldest of ten children. It was there at the age of 17 where she captured the attention of Nazzareno Tassone. In 1960, she bravely embarked on her own to be reunited with her fiancé to begin her life in Canada where she married her one true love on May 28, 1960 and resided in Port Arthur. Together, they lovingly began their family and were blessed with five children, Bruno, Tony, Rosemary, Salvatore, and Joyce. Over the years, their family continued to grow with the addition of 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Gina dedicated her entire life to her beloved family, always ensuring that they were well nourished and provided for. Her love of cooking and baking were greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all those she loved. Her happiest moments involved filling her home and surrounding the dinner table with family and friends. Lunch at her home was an unspoken tradition. Whenever her children or grandchildren found themselves nearby, they would often stop in during their lunch break and enjoy a delicious meal prepared with love.
Gina was very spiritual, faithfully attending Mass at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church and frequently participated in the weekday recitations of the rosary. Her devotion extended beyond worship; she was an enthusiastic volunteer at the church, dedicating her time to meal preparation and partaking in community events such as teas, bazaars, and weekly bingo gatherings. A significant portion of her life was anchored in her unwavering faith. This was further exemplified by her pilgrimages to renowned cathedrals in Italy, including Santi Cosima e Damiani and Madonna dello Scoglio, as well as multiple journeys to Ignace, all of which reflected a steadfastness that guided her life’s path.
Gina harbored a profound love for the outdoors, often found tending to her gardens with heartfelt dedication and pride. Summer evenings frequently found her enjoying the warmth of bonfires at the home of Rose and John.
Conscious of her health, particularly managing her diabetes with care, Gina maintained a balanced diet, allowing herself the occasional indulgence to satisfy her sweet cravings. An avid walker, she was a familiar sight in her neighborhood, committing to daily walks that sustained her well-being. Even in her later years at Pioneer Ridge, her brisk pace as she walked the halls and courtyard spoke to her enduring vitality and determination.
Gina will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her five children: Bruno (Mary), Tony (Cheryl), Rosemary (John) Bennardo, Salvatore (Lina), Joyce (Cory) Brown, grandchildren: Lindsay (Josh) Kinger, Marcus (Alyssa) Tassone, Jennifer Tassone, Amanda (Wes) Kendel, Stacey (Mike) Martin, Gina Tassone, Tony Tassone, Melissa (Brian) Falkowski, Sara (Ryan) Steiner, Elena Bennardo, Ashley Tassone, Nazzareno Tassone, Cole Brown, Maeve Brown and Matthew Brown and 9 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Sara Costanzo (Simone) and Antonio Tozzo, brother-in-law Frank Fabiano and sister-in-law Carrie Tozzo. As well, she is survived by her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Cosimo Tassone and wife Immaculata, Bruna Larizza, Giuseppina Tassone, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Gina is predeceased and now reunited with her one true love, Nazzareno; her parents, Salvatore and Guiseppina Tozzo; her brothers Cosimo, Mario, Domiano, Bruno, Nazzareno; her sisters, Rita Fabiano and Bruna; In-laws Rosina and Bruno Caruso, Antonio and Raffaela Tassone, Salvatore Tassone, Giuseppe and Filomena Tassone, Nazzarena, Marietta and Nazzareno Larizza, Bruno Larizza, and Angelina and Domenico Pisani.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thank you to the incredible staff at Pioneer Ridge for surrounding Gina with comfort and care in her last years. We are also deeply grateful to the staff for their compassion, warmth and dedication during Gina’s final days. We would also like to thank everyone that supported Gina and our family over the last few years. Your thoughtfulness and kindness will always be cherished.
A funeral service to celebrate Gina’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church beginning with visitation at 10:00 a.m. A service will follow at 11:00 am celebrated by Father Luigi Filippini. Those wishing to attend the service virtually may do so at St. Anthony’s R.C. Church YouTube page. Entombment will take place at Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum, St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donating to Pioneer Ridge Monarch Manor in Gina’s name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
“Amor di madre, amore senza limiti”
