Obituary of Joan Gasbarini

GASBARINI, Marie Eugenie Jeanne-d’Arc (nee Harvey) – Known by all as Joan or Joanie and Mom, passed away peacefully at Lambton Meadowview Villa (Petrolia) on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at the age of 92.  Joan was the cherished mother of Joe, mother-in-law of Claudette, who was a devoted daughter-in-law to her and grandmother to Sara Gasbarini Lopetrone (husband Sal).  Formerly of St. Catharines, Joan and her husband Frank were the co-owners of the Italia Fruitland and Meat Market store on Garnet Street for many years.  Joan was an avid bridge player and she continued to play the game well into her eighties.  She was a prolific knitter and many were the recipients of her cozy mittens and sweaters.  As well, Joan was a terrific cook and Joe loved her gnocchi’s and red sauce.  Joan never served a meal without including dessert and her pies were amazing!  She would bake up miniature cherry pies using tart Niagara cherries, the perfect size treat for Katharine who would eat them with gusto and a big smile!  Joan is predeceased by her parents, several siblings, her husband Frank (1987), infant son Mark (1962) and granddaughter Katharine (1999).  Joe and Claudette would like to thank the staff and volunteers at LMV for their excellent care, kindness and dedication to Joan over the past 12 plus years.  You are truly an exceptional group of people.  Private funeral arrangements are entrusted to McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre Ltd., 519-344-3131.  As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may forward memorial donations to Lambton Meadowview Villa, LMV Auxiliary, 3958 Petrolia Line, RR#4, Petrolia, ON  N0N 1R0.  Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com.  “She is Home and at peace and for that we are grateful.” A tree will be planted in memory of Joan Gasbarini in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 15th, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area