Giulia Skochinski (née D’Uva), beloved wife and devoted mother, passed away peacefully in the evening hours of Monday December 23rd, 2024, with family by her side.
Born in Castelpetroso, Campobasso, Italy on June 7th, 1951, Giulia enjoyed an idyllic early life keeping her father (a subsistence farmer) company, while also being a worthy companion for George, the family dog. In 1961, she made the long voyage to Canada with her parents and brothers, first arriving at Pier 61 in Halifax and then settling in Fort William, Ontario. Giulia quickly learned English, excelled in her studies at school and enjoyed working at Rollason Flowers and wearing the latest fashions.
It was around this time that Giulia went on a blind date and met a handsome young man named Jim. From that day forward, the two of them were inseparable. They married in 1972 and set off to British Columbia. Once again, Giulia would make the best of her new home by making friends, taking up crocheting and knitting and becoming a mother to daughters Jennifer and Rebekah. The young family returned to Thunder Bay in 1978 where Giulia threw herself fully into motherhood. She honed her cooking skills even further, using vegetables from the garden she and Jim planted every year. For Giulia, sharing food was a way of showing love.
Once the girls were older, Giulia went back to school to become a dental assistant, a career she loved both for the daily challenges of the work itself and for the work family it provided her. She very much enjoyed her last place of employment with Dr. Watral, often recalling this time with deep fondness.
In retirement, Giulia fulfilled a dream to travel. First, returning to Italy – the homeland she walked away from as a child, which fueled a series of adventures with Jim and favourite travel companions Ben and Bettye. When she faced health challenges, it was these experiences and memories that brought her the most joy.
Giulia was incredibly generous. She put her family before everything and we are blessed to have known such love. Although she is gone, she will live in our hearts forever.
The family would like to thank Dr. Aseyev and the many nurses who cared for Giulia at the Cancer Care Centre; in particular Megan, Margaret and Jolene. We are indebted to Dr. Bezanson (aka Dr. B) who was a remarkable source of comfort for Giulia – a real life guardian angel. Thank you also to the nurses on 1A, especially Juliet and Olivia who showed Giulia and our family such compassion and grace.
Giulia is survived by her husband Jim; daughters Jennifer and Rebekah (Jon); sister Maria (Keith), other dear family and caring friends. Giulia is preceded in death by her parents Nicola and Angiolina and brothers Tony and Domenic.
As per Giulia’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre – Cancer Care, or a charity of your choice.
