Assunta Scaini
elevated m5ccb Assunta (Susie) Scaini, daughter of the late Francesco and Giuseppina Scaini was born on September 1, 1942 in Gradiscutta di Varmo, Friuli, Italy. She leaves behind her siblings, Anita, Catherine, Armand and the late Lino; their spouses; 7 nieces and nephews; 11 great nieces and nephews and many friends. She passed away on Saturday, January 23rd at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. She attended Teacher’s College in 1965 and taught at a few elementary schools in Toronto. She obtained her BA at the University of Toronto in 1972. In her 30th year, she joined the High Park Ski Club, learned how to downhill ski, became an instructor and went on to be a successful ski racer. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 42, she attended her first Taoist Tai Chi class. She poured her heart and soul into Tai Chi, learned under Master Moy, and became an instructor. She was known in the Tai Chi community as the voice showcasing the healing benefits, as she went on to live for almost 40 years with Parkinson’s. Her strong will and independence allowed her to live her life her way. Her nieces and nephews fondly remember her teaching them to ski, taking them to the Nutcracker and many Disney movies. We are very grateful to Dr. Mark Gutman, who she met in 1989 at a Parkinson conference at McGill University. Since then, she trusted and appreciated his expertise and support. We wish to also thank the staff and nurses at Amica Thornhill, and the doctors and nurses at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. For those who wish, donations can be made to Parkinson Canada in lieu of flowers.
elevated m5ccb In light of the current COVID 19 Pandemic the family will be having a private family Funeral Service on Thursday January 28th 2021 at 1:30pm. To watch the service live, please click the link below.
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It is with sadness that I heard of Assunta’s death. I came to know and appreciate her when she joined the Life Story Writing Group at St. Edwards’ Church. She was an inspiration to all of us.
I offer my sincere sympathy to her family and regret not being able to attend her funeral due to the COVID pandemic. Be assured of my prayers.
Sister Mary Rose Marrin CSJ
Le mie Preghiere per la Susy, persona ottimista, determinata, sportiva e tenace. Un esempio per tutti noi. Le mie condoglianze a tutta la sua splendida famiglia. RIP. 🙏
Assunta was an inspiration to many. I am so grateful that she was willing to share part of her life with thousands.
Assunta was such an inspiration at Tai Chi, and a pleasure to know. No one could do a Snake like Assunta! I will miss you!
Our deepest sympathy to the Scaini siblings, she will be missed by many.
Cousin Bob & Linda Scaini
I’m so sorry to learn of Assunta’s death. We met at Tai Chi a couple of years ago and I sometimes gave her a ride to and from class. I used to enjoy her stories of growing up in North York and her experiences as a teacher.
Sincere condolences to Assunta’s family.
To the Family of Assunta
Thanks to Msgr. Pat O’Dea, I heard of the passing of dear Assunta who has been a faithful friend of ours, of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood, supporting our work in East Africa ever since a teacher friend of hers was missioned there. Assunta has been an inspiration for me , her perseverance in hope and kindness, in spite of her health problems, were truly remarkable. Thank you Assunta. I will post her obituary at our Convent tomorrow.
We will pray for you, the family, and we will pray for and with Assunta, who I believe was received directly into the arms of Jesus, whom she loved so faithfully. Sr. Eva Janning
On behalf of Orangeville Branch Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism, I would like to express our sincere condolences. Assunta was an inspiration and we certainly appreciated and benefitted from her wonderful example.
Our dear Assunta was a unique and inspiring individual. She attended the Vaughan Parkinson Superwalk assisting us with her Tai Chi demonstrations and fund raising. Her strength and determination despite having Parkinson’s disease was an amazing example of such a great spirited and giving lady!
Her accomplishments during her lifetime made an impact to others. Assunta may you now rest in peace with the angels above. We will miss you!
Vaughan Parkinson Superwalk Committee and Nadia Smith
To Anita, Caterina, Arman, Imelda and families, families Peruzzi and Brooks. Condolences from Vittorina, Maurizio, Franco Morello and families.
Dearest Friends
Assunta will forever be a drive in the fight against Parkinson Disease and an advocate for Tai Chi. She will be truly missed and we hope she will will rest in peace in God’s Loving arms.
Our sincere condolences to all the family. May fond memories keep her alive in your hearts forever.
Great big hugs
Rose and John Scaini
My sincere condolences to Anna, Rina and all of Assunta’s family.
With deepest sympathy,
Mary Raso
With very fond and grateful memories of the indomitable and reaching -out spirit of Assunta.
She melted my attitude and brought me alongside.
Lovingly remembered.
Thank you to Nicole and Mary for the sad news.
Deepest sympathy to all of Assunta’s family. I am a neighbour and parishioner that casually waved or spoke to Assunta on Tamworth or Ellerslie where she was often walking or working outside. I admired how she carried on independently and with determination and courage despite her ailments. She was an inspiration to all of us. May her soul Rest In Peace.
To Anita, Rina, Armand, Elda, and your families.
My deepest sympathy.
-Franca DeBiasio and family
I knew Assunta for many years and was always happy to take advise for health improvement. In fact she helped me in many of my health classes and encouraged me to start a health recovery class in our Scarborough location.
She was the first instructor to volunteer to help.
We remained friends until the end and managed to talk on the phone almost weekly when she entered the retirement home.
I will miss her and her dry sense of humour and pithy advise.
May she rest in peace.
Marilyn.
She was my first tai chi instructor. She met me at the door when I walked in to class. To look at her I wondered what she could teach me, but wow was I surprised to see her ability! She was truly inspirational! She will be missed.
I met Assunta the first night she arrived at the Scarborough location of the Taoist Tai Chi Society. It was evident from the beginning she was an independent lady, determined to be in control of her future.
An inspiration to us all, always positive, always smiling. A devoted practitioner of Taoist Tai Chi. Eager to learn, always giving back. Encouraging others to keep moving.
She will be missed and always remembered.
Assunta was a force of nature and an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She will live on in our hearts as a shining example of determination in the present, and hope for the future.
A voi tutti mandiamo le nostre piu’ sentite condoglianze nel ricordo della cara e tenace Susie. Ci uniamo oggi alle vostre preghiere. Ernestina, Primo, Caterina, Cristian e Matteo
Assunta, a champion for living well with Parkinson’s. An amazing, bold, bright, inspiring woman. She motivated many and led by example. Sincerest condolences to the Sciani family. Know that we hold many fond memories of Assunta. May you find comfort in each other and in celebrating Assunta’s life.
Deepest sympathy to Assunta’s family. She was an inspiration to such a great number of us in Taoist Tai Chi and helped so many through her tai chi classes but most of all her example of kindness and perseverance.
Assunta was a fixture at Taoist Tai Chi events, always helping out and willing to demonstrate how her practice has kept her going for so many years. For years she taught a class at the Temple on D’Arcy Street, where she would often arrive by transit, and then go out with her backpack to shop for herself and others, never letting her Parkinson’s slow her down. An avid photographer, Assunta would be seen with her tripod documenting events. Every year she would organise a Walk for Parkinson’s, and gather many, many pledges from her myriad of friends. She shared her story in many writings, including a chapter in the book published by her writing group. She is an inspiration to many, and will be missed.
Assunta was a treasure in the Taoist Tai Chi community. We all asked more of ourselves when we witnessed Assunta’s example. I was very moved by the story the priest told in the service that Assunta always brought a small gift of food…chocolates or cookies – to all those who helped her with her health and life care. The small gift was an expression of her gratitude – she was always grateful. We will miss her.
„ Let us hurry to love people
they depart so quickly ….”
Jan Twardowski “Spieszmy się kochać ludzi…” translation unknown
Some of us are inviting others to come in, to join, to walk together.
Some of us are courageous but sensible, persistent and fierce in commitment.
Some of us are humble, sincere, ready to help.
Some of us are interested in what’s around, ready to learn, ready to teach.
Some of us are witty, ready to joke with that funny spark in eyes.
Some of us are sunny, optimistic, outgoing.
Assunta was all above and more.
We will cherish memories of those moments being with Her.
Our condolences and sympathy to Her family and many of Her friends.
Anna, Andrzej Zemanek
Our deepest sympathy to the Scaini family.
We were so sad to hear of Assunta’s passing!
She was such a faithful, kind and loyal friend.
She will be missed!
Thank you for the opportunity to attend the beautiful and uplifting mass to celebrate Assunta’s life.
During my many years at the FLK Taoist Tai Chi Centre in Mono Mills, I was blessed with memorable conversations and gifts of photos of me which she had taken.
Assunta’s dedication to her own TTC practice, especially her snakes using her cane as balance impressed and inspired me. She was a wonderful ambassador for our organization and Parkinson’s Society.
I am truly sorry for your loss. Yet I know Assunta’s irrepressible spirit will be remembered.
My deepest condolences to Assunta’s family.
I had the pleasure to work with her at St. Wilfrid’s CS.
Hello Assunta’s many wonderful family. Sorry this is late. It was a beautiful service and the sunshine really seemed as if she was smiling down on you all. We will really miss Assunta when we resume in-person Taoist Tai Chi; she was a patient and caring instructor, always ready to help in particular with our understanding of the effects of Taoist Tai Chi. I really appreciated Monsignor’s story of her falling, so typical. Carol, thank you for the pictures you sent Marilyn, I am so glad you included those with Daisy – the pair of them where such an inspiration and such a joy to have around. I’m sure I met some of Assunta’s family on Parkinson walks over the years – you didn’t say no to her! Stay well everyone, find joy in remembering a courageous, funny, amazing person. Jane (Scarborough Taoist Tai Chi)
My condolences to friends and family. I have a special memory of meeting Assunta at D’Arcy St. When I first started helping with Health recovery classes at the Sault location. She was so excited for me and took me to the staircase to DonYu up and down. She was an inspiration to all who met her.
I enjoyed knowing Assunta for many years at Taoist Tai Chi. She was an inspiration to many of us. Always willing to help always cheerful. I am so glad to have known her . I will miss her.
Jill, Scarborough and Don Mills Centre
I enjoyed knowing Assunta for many years at Taoist Tai Chi. She was an inspiration to many of us. Always willing to help, always cheerful. I am so glad to have known her I will miss her. I thought her funeral service was lovely–so comforting.
Jill, Scarborough and Don Mills Centre
I heard a story told about how Assunta was led to Tai Chi by a caring friend. How Mr. Moy helped guide her in the discovery of how to help herself. How Assunta in turn helped others with their Tai Chi. Tom Daly was guided towards Health Recovery by Mr. Moy. Tom was paired with Assunta so that he could learn from her. That experience working along side Assunta formed a strong bond between the two of them. During that time, Tom developed an understanding of how to help others through the heart. Although I came to Tai Chi well after all these formative years, I saw Assunta’s influence.
I remember going to class at Bathurst St. Assunta would enter with little fanfare. We always greeted each other with a smile, sparkling eyes and a nod of the head. She never lingered. Her shoes went on and she was right into that practice room. She was already well into her umpteenth donyu, by the time others started to filter into the room. When corrected to do more or to not be lazy, her look never changed to that of defeat. If anything, Assunta’s look became more determined and she kept going – kept doing. She inspired those around her to pull-up our socks.
At events, I remember the ever-present camera. She was always doing more. If there was anyone that ever led by example, it had to be Assunta. I am reminded by the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. Assunta is the tortoise through and through. She is the winner. I learned from her and there isn’t a person out there that won’t continue to learn from the memories and stories of Assunta. She will be in our hearts and spirits well into our futures and the futures of those to come.
I thank Assunta’s friend for bringing her to Tai Chi. I thank Mr. Moy for guiding Assunta. I am ever grateful to Assunta for empowering us all by her example to strive for more. God bless every one of her family and friends for contributing to who she was – a spectacular woman who will always remain special.
Valerie from Peterborough ON
Armand, Joan, Carol, Diane and family, my deepest condolences for your loss.
Thank you Assunta’s family,
For supporting this generous and humble person and helping her to support others. I first met Assunta when she was demonstrating and speaking about her practice in a Taoist Tai Chi workshop for Health Recovery Instruction. While Assunta was full of purpose and never lingered, nor did she brush past, always taking time with everyone who approached. Assunta was a model, expressing her gratitude in her actions.
My belated condolences to Assunta’s family.
A few years ago, I took some visitors to the D’Arcy St. temple where Assunta gave us the grand tour. She demonstrated some moves, including the snake. I did it with her, but she did it better!
I saw her for the last time at the Don Mills location. I had brought a friend that day, and she talked about how tai chi helped her. She was also preparing for the annual Parkinson’s walk, and many of us sponsored her.
A very vibrant person who lived life to the best of her ability. May she rest in peace.