Gemina Milani-Candido began her journey on October 24, 1939 at the start of World War II. Despite the family struggles of a German occupied town, Gemina remembered a happy childhood with her family and parents who provided her with the basic needs of life and the power of family ties. With her sisters and brothers at her side, Gemina grew up as a vibrant young woman with a contagious smile and zest and hope for a happy life. Working with her father, Gino Milani, and her brother, Sam Milani, as shoe merchants, she met the love of her life, Ettore Candido. It was on that day that Ettore knew he would marry her. Six years later, after time in France and Gemina’s studies as a hairdresser and seamstress, they were married in a Catholic Church in Carrufo, Italy on June 21, 1959. Gemina would join Ettore in Canada with her two year old daughter, Tiziana, and together they would forge a life through struggle, and missing their family, friends and home. Diane and Maurizio would later be born making this a family of five. Gemina’s house was always filled with family and friends. We were blessed with her commitment to family as she brought us together weekly and for every occasion for delicious meals and boisterous reunions. Her children-in-law, Tony, Vito and Rose were welcomed with open arms. Once her grandchildren Daniel, Matthew, Liana, Vanessa, Valentina, Ava, Aiden, and Marlowe entered the world, she became even more committed to enjoying each moment with them and teaching them the value of family. Gemina was best when her endless working hands were giving and moving to prepare a delicious meal, to deliver food for hundreds of daycare children, preparing a hot table for the many bakeries she enjoyed running and working in, but most of all when they were busy in the service of the people she loved most in this world, her family. She will be remembered for her contagious laughter, her smile, her quirky expressions that made us all laugh and her fierce courage in accepting all that life brought her way. Her legacy, although simple, is magnanimous in its power and value - love family above all else. She will be missed, but her ever lasting presence will bless generations to come as we doggedly continue to live her legacy.