It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother Elvira Bisignano at age 89. She started her journey to Canada in May 1960, with her children Connie and Sergio, leaving behind her family, to reunite with the love of her life Guerino Bisignano.
Elvira was born on January 8, 1937, in Lauropoli, Cosenza, Italy. Elvira carried the warmth of traditions and rich culture of her homeland throughout her life. After her journey by boat to Canada, she built a meaningful life centered around faith, family and hard work. With all the challenges she endured she always managed to provide a loving and caring home for her family.
Elvira was a gifted and dedicated individual whose talents touched many families, friends and close neighbors in the community. Elvira and Guerino started a life in Thunder Bay working tirelessly to keep the Italian traditions by opening their own grocery store in 1968 called Guerino’s Grocery. She worked as a skilled seamstress at TK Jeans and from there went on to work at Chapples, in the Drapery Department. She was a legendary cook, where she brought people together through food, especially at the DaVinci Centre.
Elvira was devoted to her faith and was a proud member of the Catholic Women’s League of St. Dominic’s Parish and the Principe di Piemonte Ladies Auxiliary where she spent many hours volunteering her time.
Elvira enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; knitting, a game of bingo on Tuesdays, and camping at Sturgeon Bay. She also enjoyed travelling to Italy and Toronto to visit family. Above all, she found her greatest joy in preparing delicious homemade meals to be shared around the table, surrounded by her large, loving family.
Elvira’s greatest achievement and deepest joy was her family. She will be forever missed by her children Connie (Mario) Lento, Phyllis (Frank) Lento, Pino (Antonella) Bisignano and Marcello (Adriana) Bisignano. She also leaves behind her loving grandchildren Nick (Rhonda), Amy (Josh), Saverio (Rosario), Adriana (Brad), Lisa (John-Paul), Robert, Marisa (Chris), Frankie, Christina (Michael), Anthony (Sienna), Santo (Sandy), Vanessa (GianPaolo), and her precious great-grandchildren; Julia (Mitch), Alandra (Bella), Nicolas, Kaeden, Mya, Charlotte, Layla, Addison, Julianna, Alessandra, Sam, Robbie, Noah, Isabella, Leo, Ava, Matteo, and Victoria. She is also remembered by her extended family Michele Chimenti, Carolina Bisignano, Anna Bisignano, Franca Bisignano and Rita and Guido Perrone from Italy. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and close friends across Thunder Bay, Toronto and Italy.
Elvira has made her long-awaited reunion with her beloved son Sergio who was tragically taken in 1975. She will also be reunited with her loving husband Guerino. She was predeceased by her parents Rocco and Filomena Propati, brother Vincenzo (Teresa), sister Teresa (Leonardo), Maria (Nicola) and niece Carmelina, all from Italy. Also, her in-laws Guiseppe and Concetta Bisignano, Salvatore (Ida), Emilio (Girarda), Silvio, Ida Chimenti, Mario, Francesco (Assunta) and Elio, and niece Concetta and nephews Joe and Patrick.
A funeral mass will be held on Thursday June 25, 2026, at 11am at St. Dominic’s Church. Visitations will be held on Wednesday June 24, 2026, at Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel beginning at 6:00pm and prayer service at 8:00pm.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the homecare that was provided throughout the years, the staff at TBRHSC and a special thank you to the Doctors, caring nurses and staff at St. Joseph’s Care Group 5N and 5S, we appreciate the special care you provided our mother in her last days.
Memorial donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Foundation and the TBRHSC Northern Cardiac Fund.
