TUSEK, Adriana née Raffaelli

February 18th, 1924 to January 8th, 2018; in her 94th year. Born in Lana, Italy. Pre-deceased by husband Anton in April 2001. Mother to daughters Meryliss, Fausta, Raffaella, Janette and Michelle. Adriana was a cosmopolitan woman who enjoyed the arts, fashion and music as much as raising a family of 5 children. She grew up in Merano, Austria (Italy); departed for Australia and married Anton in Adelaide,1953. Adriana returned to Italy in 1965 with her growing family to manage and grow one of the family farms (Frutetti Raffaelli) in San Martino di Venezze. In 1972, the family left Italy and sailed to New York first, but continued their journey to Canada—landing in Halifax—setting sights on Toronto. The family lived at numerous addresses in Etobicoke, Mississauga, Schomberg, Picton, Oro Station and Craighurst, finally settling in Barrie, which has been home since 1979. Three years ago, Adriana took up residence at Woods Park Seniors’ Home and made many new friends, who will miss her greatly.

Her many talents included: Accomplished pianist (Grade 10); seamstress (original children’s wear); artist (mixed media) and spoke/wrote German, Italian and English fluently. Matter-of-fact, the only way Anton and Adriana could communicate when they first married was to converse in German, while living and working in Australia. Adriana’s greatest talent was to always put family first, who possessed an unwavering willingness to help at any time; a generous spirit who embraced that special joie de vivre. As Nonna, she never failed to acknowledge a birthday, holiday or special event with her 13 grand-children and 2 great¬-grand-children who include: Jessica, Ryan, Lauren, Calen, Leiland, Eiren, Shannon, Darren, Travis, Mikaila, Mitchell, Taylor, Kelsey, Quinn and Merrek.

A memorial celebrating Adriana’s life will be held at St. Mary’s Church on Saturday, January 13th, 2018 at 10:00 am. Light refreshments and fare will be served after the service.