It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our mother and nonna, Adriana Rodeghiero, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. Adriana and her twin brother Franco were born on December 11, 1938 in Vescovana, Italy. At a young age she was separated from her twin brother and raised by her aunt in Camporovere. Her aunt who was the local seamstress taught her the art of dressmaking and she started to work at a young age using her learnt skills. She spent every spare moment picking up odd jobs to make extra money. After meeting our father in her hometown as a teenager, a four-year long-distance courtship followed until she immigrated to Canada in 1958 to join her soul mate Ugo. They married on August 2nd, 1958 and soon after started their family.
Learning a new language and entering the work force as a new Canadian was no easy task but there was no stopping our bold, courageous, and talented mother. Adriana spent a few of her years working for Dresswell Cleaners and Sears, but most of her working life was devoted to her home seamstress business so that she could balance her passion with the endless responsibilities of being a mother. She was well known for the quality of her work, and she enjoyed the challenge of difficult projects such as creating a bridal gown from scratch.
Adriana - zest for life! She had a wide circle of friends; she loved her community and her Italian heritage. One of her proudest chapters was her involvement with Carosella Italiano, a local broadcast on Shaw cable featuring Italian news, music, sports, and other programming.
In the early 1980's, Adriana entered an exciting new adventure as an entrepreneur by opening Adriana's Deli and Italian Gift Wares on Victoria Avenue. With no prior business experience, she once again excelled at this new chapter and successfully ran the business for many years with many customers becoming lifelong friends.
She belonged to the Italian Society of Port Arthur, the Ladies Venet Society, the Principe Di Piemonte Society Ladies Auxiliary and was active with the St. Domenic's church community including their Italian choir.
Most important to Adriana was her family. A big smile, a warm embrace and a bacio would always greet you at her door. She loved hosting family gatherings especially her home cooked meals with a glass or two of vino.
Adriana is survived by her children, Anna (Roger - deceased), Paolo (Trina), David (Nadia), grandchildren Brandon, Emma and Maya along with many nieces, great-nieces, nephews and great¬ nephews who live in Italy. Adriana is predeceased by her husband Ugo (June 26, 2020), brothers Franco, Mario, Tony, Otavio and sister Maria, parents Francesco and Christina Bonato.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the health care professionals and staff at Southbridge Roseview for Adriana's care.
"The loss of a mother is unique; it was her who birthed you and tended your every need especially in childhood. Your mother was your haven. The sun will shine again but there will always be a cloud where she should be." We will continue to raise a glass of red wine and celebrate her memory with a "chin chin."
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023, when family and friends will gather at St. Domenic Church, beginning at 1:30 p.m. celebrated by Father Mahoney. Those wishing to attend the service virtually may do so via Sargent & Son Facebook page. A visitation for family and friends will be held at the church for 1 hour prior to service time. Entombment will follow at St. Andrew’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Adriana's name may be made to Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
