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.
30 Responses
Dear Jim, Alexa, Gordon, Kingston and Christopher,
Please accept our deepest condolences. Pass along our sympathy to the rest of the family. We will always remember Evie with affection.
Love,
Amabel, JB, Katrina, Anna, Angelina
Dear Jim, Alexa, Chris & family,
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all at the loss of your precious one.
Take comfort that Evie is in the safety of God’s hands.
We will not forget her.
Love,
Ken, Yvonne & family
Dear Jim and family,
So sorry to read about the sad news. We wish you peace and comfort during this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Take care,
Ray and Ruby Cajuguiran
Dear Jim, Alexa, Chris, Auntie Caroline and the Pangkas family,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Evie, your wife, mother and our loving cousin.
Our thoughts are with you and your family. May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.
love,
the Nurdjalims
Michael – Ming-ming
Jusak – Natalia
Karmelia – Roy
Dear Jim & Family,
We are very sad to hear of Evie’s death.Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and family.Take care,
Romeo & Marcella Sanglap.
Dear Alexa, Gordon and Family,
It was always a pleasure seeing Eveline come into the office, she knew how to brighten the day with her beautiful smile.
Our hearts go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
She will be sadly missed but always remembered.
With all our Love,
The Girls from Aesthetic Dental Studio
Dear jim, Alexa and Family.
Our heartfelt wishes to you at this difficult time.
We are aware of Evie’s bravery in the face of her illness and will always remember her for that.
We also recall her at her best, a lively, funny and passionate friend.
She was an accomplished and welcoming hostess.
She is at peace now in the same place as her beloved Nathan.
Courage to the rest of us who must bear her loss.
With our love,
Jan and Mike Stanger.
Our symphaty to Uncle Jim, Alexa, and Chris and also Grandma Caroline Pangka..
May Our Lord Jesus Christ give to all of You Peaceful heart, and strenght.
With love and pray
Edwin Pangka and Family
Alexander Daniel Pangka and Family
Verdyan Kurniahu and Family
Dearest Jim n fam,
With our sincere sympathy, may God gives you comfort and peace,
Love,
Winata n Dory
Dearest Jim, Alexa and Chris,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you for the loss of Evie, your wife and mother and our brilliant, entertaining, amazing and caring cousin.
May the memories of Evie held deep within our heart help to soothe our spirit at this time. And that her love will always be remembered by all of us…. for neither time, nor distance,
nor death itself can touch a love that endures forever.
Love,
Dewi and Lukas Djuanda