With sorrowful hearts we announce the passing of Chiarina Serravalle. Peacefully with her family by her side at the Niagara Health St. Catharines Site on January 8, 2024. Loving wife of Giuseppe for 77 years. Devoted mother to Irene (Morris) Yurkewich, Fran (Fred) Lang. Cherished nana to Kelly (Erik) Liddell, Josh and Cameron. Nana had a special place in her heart for Taylor and Lauren.
Born and raised in Mangone, Calabria, Italy, at the age of 28 Chiarina and her 6-year-old daughter immigrated to Canada to join her husband. She adapted well, even with the language barrier, becoming the cook at a local restaurant and later working at Feasby’s dry cleaning where she made lifelong friends. Stepping into the role of a young matriarch, she and her husband sponsored her brothers and her sister as well as her father to immigrate to Canada, opening their home to all and helping them start their lives here as well. Her passion was cooking, and with inexhaustible generosity she always sought to provide for her family and to help neighbours and friends in any way she could.
Chiarina joined the Catholic Women's League in the 1960’s and was a lifetime member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Thorold. She always wanted to become a journalist, following the news with keen interest. She was fortunate once to meet and speak to Audrey Hepburn on a trip to Florida. Chiarina loved singing Italian songs with her husband and family, continuing to do so into her final days. She loved everyone and was always a positive spirit whose effect on others will be felt long into the future.
After raising her two daughters, she had three grandchildren whom she adored and helped to raise in a long and joyful period of retirement and devoted family life.
Chiarina is survived by her sister Emma (late Frank) and her brother Ugo (Rosemary). Cherished Zia to her many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Luigi and Marietta Venneri; her in laws Chiarina and Giuseppe Serravalle; her siblings Helen (Peter), Assunta (Armando), Cesare (surviving spouse Pat), the late Frank (surviving spouse Rose), and siblings-in-law Maria (Octavio) and Peter (Lena).
Visitors will be received at Bocchinfuso Funeral Home 2 Regent Street, Thorold on Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM. Vigil prayer will be recited privately. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 11:00 am at Holy Rosary Church 21 Queen Street South, Thorold. Rite of Committal to follow at Pleasantview Mausoleum in Fonthill.
The family offers many thanks to the wonderful people at Heatherwood Retirement Residence as well as the CBI PSW’s for their devotion and care. Special thanks to Dr. Campbell and the nursing staff in the ER and the 3rd floor of the Niagara Health St. Catharines for their compassion and care. If desired donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at www.Bocchinfusofh.com