With deep sadness, we share the news of our mother Elvira Bisignano’s peaceful passing at the age of 89. She began her journey to Canada in May 1960, accompanied by her children Connie and Sergio, leaving behind her family to reunite with her beloved husband Guerino Bisignano.
Elvira was born on January 8, 1937, in Lauropoli, Cosenza, Italy. Throughout her life, she carried the warmth and rich traditions of her homeland with her. After arriving in Canada by boat, she created a fulfilling life based on faith, family, and hard work. Despite the challenges she faced, she always managed to provide a nurturing home for her loved ones.
Elvira was a talented and dedicated person whose skills impacted many families, friends, and neighbors in the community. Together with Guerino, they built their life in Thunder Bay while working tirelessly to preserve Italian traditions by opening their grocery store named Guerino’s Grocery in 1968. She worked as a seamstress at TK Jeans before moving on to Chapples in the Drapery Department. A legendary cook herself, she brought people together through delicious food at gatherings like those held at the Da Vinci Centre.
Her strong faith defined Elvira’s life; she was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League at St. Dominic’s Parish and participated extensively in the Principe di Piemonte Ladies Auxiliary where she volunteered countless hours.
Elvira appreciated life’s simple pleasures such as knitting, playing bingo on Tuesdays, and camping at Sturgeon Bay. She loved traveling to Italy and Toronto for family visits but found her greatest happiness cooking homemade meals shared around the table with her large loving family.
The biggest source of pride for Elvira was undoubtedly her family. She will be forever remembered by her children Connie (Mario) Lento, Phyllis (Frank) Lento, Pino (Antonella) Bisignano, and Marcello (Adriana) Bisignano. She also leaves behind grandchildren Nick (Rhonda), Amy (Josh), Saverio (Rosario), Adriana (Brad), Lisa (John-Paul), Robert, Marisa (Chris), Frankie, Christina (Michael), Anthony (Sienna), Santo (Sandy), Vanessa (Gian Paolo), along with precious great-grandchildren Julia (Mitch), Alandra (Bella), Nicolas, Kaeden, Mya , Charlotte , Layla , Addison , Julianna , Alessandra , Sam , Robbie , Noah , Isabella , Leo , Ava , Matteo , and Victoria. Additionally, she is remembered fondly by extended family Michele Chimenti, Guerino ’s siblings Carolina, Bisignano Anna, Bisignano Franca, Bisignano Rita, and Guido Perrone from Italy as well as many nieces, Nephews, and close friends across Thunder Bay, Toronto, and Italy.
Elvira is now reunited with her son Sergio who left us too soon in 1975, and once again joined by Guerino. She has also been preceded in death by parents Rocco and Filomena Propati, both brother Vincenzo(Teresa ), sisters Teresa(Leonardo )and Maria(Nicola ), as well as niece Carmelina-all from Italy. Additionally, she’s survived through Guiseppe & Concetta Bisignano siblings Salvatore(Ida ), Emilio(Girarda ), Silvio & Ida Chimenti brothers Mario Francesco(Assunta )& Elio plus niece Concetta nephew Joe & Patrick among others
A funeral mass will take place on Thursday June 25th 2026 at St. Dominic’s Church starting from eleven AM. Visitations occur Wednesday June twenty-fourth beginning six PM followed up prayer service eight PM.
The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude towards all homecare services provided over these years especially TBRHSC staff members including special thanks directed towards doctors nurses tending after mom during those last days spent together there
If you wish, dedicate memorial donations can be sent directly toward St. Joseph Foundation or alternatively TBRHSC Northern Cardiac Fund
