elevated v11NZ May 10, 1931 – March 22, 2026

elevated v11NZ Visitation
Sunday March 29, 2026
2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home
7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 1A5

elevated v11NZ Funeral Mass
Monday March 30, 2026 at 9:00 am
Chapel of Our Lady of Consolation
Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home
7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 1A5

elevated v11NZ Interment
Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery
7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 1A5

elevated v11NZ Obituary

elevated v11NZ At the centre of our family was our mother, nonna and big-nonna – the heart that held us together, our source of love and strength.

elevated v11NZ After a sudden and rapid decline in her health, in her 95th year, Lucia (Tenore) Gervasio, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, in the warmth and comfort of her home – the home she created that was a reflection of her life – full of care, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those she cherished most. It has been said that hearts can break from love, and hers did. Only a few short months after the passing of her beloved husband Anthony, her partner of 72 years, she left this world to be reunited with him. Their love was the foundation of the family they created together, and, in the end, her heart simply could not remain without his. She’s the co-author of our family’s story filled with numerous cherished memories, life lessons, guidance, and wisdom.

elevated v11NZ She was the devoted and loving mother to Mary DiCaro (Joe) and Mina Fior (Loris), and her predeceased son Vincent Gervasio whose memory she carried in her heart every day. Not a day passed without her sharing a story or moment about him, his picture always close by her side – a quiet testament to a mother’s everlasting love.

elevated v11NZ She was the proud and adoring nonna to Angelo (Nadia), Rosemary (Tony), Lauren (Greg), Michael (Alessia) and Julia. Her love grew even more with her great grandchildren – Noah, Damian, Gabriella and Milania, each bringing her immense pride and joy. Her love was unconditional, no matter how busy her day, she made time for what mattered with her grandchildren, especially the simple joys like wagon walks to the park, where laughter on swings and slides became treasured memories.

elevated v11NZ At the age of 17, she lost her mother Filomena, yet carried her memory throughout her life, often speaking of her beauty, her talent and the many lessons she left behind. She was deeply proud of her father Vito, an accomplished memorial mason and sculptor who encouraged her in her journey to Canada. Her story is also one of courage and bravery as a young woman leaving her father, brothers Gaetano (Anna) and Francesco (Fanny) and her hometown of Bisaccia, travelling alone by ship for two weeks to begin a new life with Anthony. She often told the story of arriving in Halifax and continuing on by train to Hamilton, where he waited for her and where their life in Canada began. She embraced her new life, enrolling in school to learn English where she built friendships. Italy remained forever in her heart, she cherished her summer vacations with siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in Bisaccia and Termoli.

elevated v11NZ She was a woman of remarkable precision and care. Every detail mattered, not for herself but for the happiness and comfort of others. She lived a selfless life, always placing the needs of others before her own.

elevated v11NZ She was a “maker”, gifted with her hands. She could sew, knit, cook and bake with extraordinary talent. Without formal training, she understood food in a way that could only be described as instinctive mastery. Il profumo of her sugo on Sunday mornings felt like a warm embrace, the memory of homemade ravioli, with her favourite Napolitano songs playing in the background are the scents, sounds and moments that will live in us forever.

elevated v11NZ Her home was a place of gathering, warmth and abundance. Her love could be tasted, felt, and heard around every dinner table. The kitchen table was her classroom where she would share her knowledge and secrets about how eating well contributes to overall well-being. She was intuitive and had wisdom that guided us all, always ready with advice and a natural remedy for every ailment. She was years ahead of her time when it came to healthy living and preventing illness. Her thirst for knowledge was boundless, especially in health and natural healing. She was our very own “nurturopath” — helping each of us grow by caring for body, mind, and soul — and is the reason our father lived a long, healthy life over the age of 100. She believed in living well – through healthy food, daily movement and balance. Her long walks, rain or shine, were a testament to her discipline and spirit. Even into her 90’s she remained committed to her daily exercise movements that she learned at “Super Fitness” back in the 80’s.

elevated v11NZ Her dinners were legendary, filled with delicious food and love in every dish. She would rarely sit, always moving, always watching, ensuring everyone’s plates were full and that everything was perfect. Dish after dish we all knew to save room for her grand finale of home baked dolci. No one could resist or refuse her prize winning sfogliatelle, biscotti and la famosa torta gialla. You never left her home empty-handed; there was always a carefully prepared package of cookies or pizza.  And her pizza … unforgettable! She shared a passion for baking with many dear friends, friendships she treasured deeply and will now be reunited with them.

elevated v11NZ There was a natural elegance and sweetness about her. She had an eye for fashion and carried herself with timeless style. With her sharp sense of humor and quick wit, she knew how to tell a story, captivating us with her choice of words and creative expressions that would make us cry with laughter. She never minced words, telling it like it is, straight up, such as her recent comment to us regarding her failing health, bracing us to let us know, “OK listen, you no cry, you know my age, it’s a lot, some day .. boom!” Yet, despite her great humor, even in her last few days, her words to us were special, specific and filled with meaning and continued guidance.  

elevated v11NZ Her lessons and the example she set are the foundation of our own lives for which we are forever grateful. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in the way we love and care for one another, just as she taught us.

elevated v11NZ We are deeply grateful and extend our heartfelt thanks to our precious Matilde, her husband Alberto and their loving family for their many years of dedication, commitment and impeccable care of our mother which contributed significantly to her quality of life in her final years. We also wish to thank Dr. Yasmin Ikizler of Unity Health, Dr. Rachel Wortzman and the team at Dorothy Ley Hospice who together with the visiting nurses provided above and beyond, compassionate and excellent care.

elevated v11NZ Donations can be made to Dorothy Ley Hospice Home in memory of Lucia.