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
Deep sympathy,
Dearest Jim, Alexa and family & Christ.
With heart felt thoughts, this comes to convey, our deepest sympathy to all of you. We share your sorrow at this difficult time. Evie is my very best friend for more than 52 years, althought we were seldom contacted each other.
Jim and family, we hope our friendship never.
With love, Nancy, Kie, Raditya & Julia.
Tito Jim, Alexa, Chris, & family
It’s always sad when someone we love departs from us in this land, letting it go is always hard to do…As a Christian, we comfort ourselves believing that they will always be around protecting and guiding us.
She will be in my prayers and may she rest in peace…may God bless your family..
Sincerely,
Gina Pangda
to Dr. Onofre Geminiano,
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of your beloved Evie. We remember your whole family with fondness from our shared experiences at the Montessori School in the 90’s. Especially memorable were the elaborate desserts that Evie would create for school functions.
Her thoughtfulness and selflessness in always thinking of others first will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Doug and Donna Stuart
to Dr. Onofre Geminiano:
On behalf of the Piano Section of the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival Association I wish to offer to you and your family our sincere condolences with the sad news of the passing of your wife Eveline.
Over the years we have been most grateful for the generosity in the Award you have both regularly provided in memory of your son Nathan.
Sincerely,
Peter Smith
Head, Piano Section GVPAF
Dear Jim and family,
Our sincere condolences for your loss. Evie will be missed dearly. May she rest in peace.
With our prayers.
Connie and Nerma
Dear Jim, Alexa and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Evie’s passing. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences. May God give you strength to bear this huge loss and may He rest her in peace. Evie was a wonderful and generous lady.
Love, The Rayanis
Dear Jim and Family
I was so sorry to hear of Evie’s passing. She was such a special lady and i feel lucky to have known her. We enjoyed many years in the Needs of Victoria Society together where she was always such a driving force in any of the fund raising events we took on.
She will be dearly missed by you all.
Sharon Sinclair
Dear Jim and Family
We are very saddened to hear of Evies Passing. We are truly sorry for your loss and have many warm memories of Evie.
With Love
Curby and Bernie
Dear Jim and familiy
We are very sorry to here about your great loss. We send you strengh and will think of you in this difficult time.
Evie will be in our hearts.
love
Emilie Scherrer
Irene, Sibylle and family
Dr .G and family
We are so sorry to hear the loss of your beloved Evie. She truly was a amazing person and we have been blessed to know her! Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Love to you always.
Davidoff Family