“ If my parting has left a void then fi ll it with remembered joy, A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow”
It is with deep sadness that the family of Mona Faye Gasparini announces her passing on Saturday, October 12, 2013 in Fort Frances, Ont.
Faye was born on March 28, 1933 in Devlin ON to William R.(Bill) and Jean (Matheson) Smith, the oldest of four children. With her family she moved at a young age to Fort Frances, where she lived her entire life cultivating a large circle of close and meaningful friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Faye attended Robert Moore Elementary School and thereafter graduated from Fort Frances High School. During her school years she was very active in sports, excelling in both basketball and volleyball.
Faye was the recipient of the Reid Memorial Award for outstanding female athlete in her grade 12 year.
Her love of sports transitioned into high school basketball coaching and later an avid fan of any sport played by her children, grandchildren and extended family.
On June 17, 1953 Faye married Vincent Lino Gasparini Jr. and together they had three children, Vincent Steven, Christopher and Lisa.
Although her family and home were always Mom’s primary job, many former students of Fort Frances High School will remember her for her fi rm but fair ways in the years that she worked as a part time Study Hall Supervisor.
Faye had a passion for life and loved many different activities. She was an avid bridge player and belonged to two long-time Bridge Clubs where she enjoyed many happy afternoons and evenings with close friends. She co-taught bridge for a few years at Con. College night school, played duplicate bridge at Sister Kennedy Centre and still found time to learn and love the game of curling with the afternoon Women’s Curling League. Since the late1960’s, Faye has been active in the Italian Ladies Club, where she was a member in good standing. Faye enjoyed many laughs while with her close friends and later with her daughter in-law Tina on weekend gambling trips to Fortune Bay.
Beginning in her youth Faye always looked forward to the District Fall Fair in Emo. This became a renewed passion when her grandson Jeff joined the R.R.4H Beef Club, leading her and Lino to being a part of the 4H Emo Beef Club family. She was an ardent reader, loved the challenge of crossword puzzles and was thoroughly competitive in Yahtzee and Uno games at the lake. Competitors learned early to hold their cards close to their chests lest Faye might sneak a peek. One of her greatest talents was cooking. She loved sharing recipes and all who knew her were always welcome in her home and at her table.
Faye especially loved the lake. She spoke fondly of her younger days at Clearwater Lake with her parents and many relatives who lived, worked and played in that area. In their early years together, Faye and Lino spent countless hours with family and friends on Rainy Lake, enjoying boating, fi shing and camping. For over 30 years, Faye and Lino enjoyed summers at the family cabin on Nowhere Island where time with their children and grandchildren was their pride and joy. There was always a welcoming hello from Faye and Lino when they hosted company at the lake.
Throughout her life Faye was a compassionate, caring and generous caregiver. In recent years she fought a brave and valiant battle with the onset of dementia, residing at Rainycrest Home until the time of her passing.
Faye was predeceased by her husband of 53 years Vincent Lino, her Mother and Father – Jean and Bill Smith, Mother-In Law and Father In-Law – Eliza & Vincent Lino Gasparini, Brother Wm. Keith Smith, Son In Law – Gary Teeple, Sister In Law – Marina Howard, and Brother In Law – Victor Ballan Faye is lovingly survived by her three children; sons, Steven (Tina) of Anchorage, Alaska, Chris (Cindy) of Kenora ON, and daughter Lisa Teeple of Blackhawk ON; her seven Grandchildren; Jeff Teeple (Kelly) Devlin, ON, Kaitlyn Gasparini – Calgary AB , Erin Gasparini – Kenora ON, Taryn and Carli Gasparini – Aurora Colorado, Nathan and Lucas (Jen) Hile – Anchorage Alaska; her four Great Grandchildren who brought her special joy – Jessica, Landon, and Morgan Teeple & Olivia Hile ; Sister Barbara Ballan- Port Alberni, BC, brother Graham (Randy) Smith – Fort Frances, sisters in-law; Louise Sabourin (Paul) – London, ON, Linda Gasparini – Toronto ON, Stephanie Gasparini – Thunder Bay ON, and brother in-law John (Gino) Gasparini (Kathleen) – Grand Forks ND
Faye will also be loved and missed by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff at Rainycrest Long Term Care for all of their help, caring and compassion for Faye over the past few years.
Memorial service will be held on Friday October 18, 2013 at 1 p.m. from St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Fort Frances, Ont with Fr. Victor DeGagne offi ciating. Interment will take place in Riverview Cemetery, Fort Frances.
In lieu of fl owers, donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association – Fort Frances Division – Older Adults Program, the R.R.4H Beef Club, c/o Northridge Funeral Home, Box 89, Emo, Ontario, P0W 1E0 or a charity of one’s choice will be gratefully appreciated. Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
