Giovanna (Gianna) Maria Barbon (née Zanatta) passed away peacefully on April 12, 2022, at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. Gianna is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Sergio Barbon; beloved children Elaine Bremner (Andrew) and Enrico Barbon (Rolande); and will be lovingly remembered as “nonna” by grandchildren Abby, Marisa, River, Ellis and Sawyer. Gianna will also be greatly missed by her brother, Liberale Zanatta, and many relatives and friends.
Gianna was born and raised in Spresiano, Treviso, Italy, and immigrated to Canada in 1972, where she married and raised her family in Queensborough. Gianna was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and a dear friend to many. She was a kind, compassionate, thoughtful and giving person who put her family above all else. Her greatest joy in life was taking care of her family: making elaborate meals they could all enjoy together, providing care packages of homemade food, thoughtful gifts and vegetables from the backyard garden she so lovingly tended, and spending time with her grandchildren whom she absolutely adored.
Gianna fought her cancer battle with patience, dignity, grace, and positive attitude, not once complaining about the numerous medical treatments she had to endure. She was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her, and she will be dearly missed.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Parish, 244 Lawrence St., New Westminster, on April 22 at 10:00 am. Reception to follow at Roma Hall, 940 Ewen Ave.
If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gianna’s memory to The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.