Eveline Geminiano

It is with the greatest sadness that we announce the passing of Evie Geminiano. Evie passed away on 26th June, at peace, after a brave two-year battle with cancer, embraced in the love of her close family and strengthened by the prayers and support of a wide circle of wonderful friends.

Evie was predeceased by her beloved son Nathan (in 1993, at the age of 14) and by her father, John Pangka in 2009. She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Jim; her mother, Caroline Pangka; daughter Alexa (Gordon); son Christopher; her doted-upon grandson Kingston; sister Florien (Barry); brothers Richard (Veronica) and Rudy (Helena) and sister Vera (Sjarif) and brother Alex (Po Lin), both in Indonesia, and many nieces and nephews.

Evie came to Canada in 1966 at the age of 17, welcomed here by her Uncle Peter (Djwa) and Auntie Sandra. She embraced life in a new land and a new language with characteristic gusto, thriving in Canada’s multi-cultural milieu, and she embarked on a life-long path of making friends wherever she went. While studying for her BSc. in math at UBC, she fell in love with her beau and future life partner, Onofre (Jim) Geminiano. They married in Vancouver in 1970. While Jim obtained his veterinary degree at Guelph, Evie completed her BEd. at UofT and taught at Fellows High School in Pembroke, Ont.. They soon returned to the West coast where Evie taught math for a number of years at Colquitz Secondary School and Jim opened his veterinary hospital in Langford. For Evie, full-time motherhood soon prevailed and together they raised three wonderful and remarkable children. As the children grew up, Evie threw herself into social engagements and good causes. Her already extended circle of friends grew wider still. Ever the consummate hostess, her dinner parties were legends of gastronomic delight (and overabundance!) and happy gathering-points for family and friends. All who met her will treasure memories of her generosity of spirit and her sparkling personality. Her friends have remained always by her side throughout her illness, always willing and available to provide the support, the love and often the laughter that she sought. For that, the family would like to express our deepest gratitude.

In addition, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the health care professionals who worked at Evie’s side tirelessly and with great compassion: Dr. Anthony Jong; ‘brother’ and friend, Drs. Kathleen Fitzgerald and Jan Lim and staff at the Victoria Cancer Clinic; the doctors, staff and the Palliative Response Team at Victoria Hospice; VIHA Home and Community Care nurse, Kory; and the home care support staff from Beacon Community Services.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 2060 Haultain Street, Victoria at 10 AM. on Wednesday 29th June. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation – Colon Cancer Research, 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, B.C. V8R 6V5 (www.bccancerfoundation.com), or Victoria Hospice Society,1952 Bay Street, Victoria, B.C. V8R 1J8 (www.victoriahospice.com). Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.

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