Obituary of Catherine Rogolino

ROGOLINO, Catherine (Kay) (née Rizzo) It is with great sadness that the family of Catherine announce her peaceful passing on July 13, 2020 at the age of 97. Born on November 8, 1922, she was a lifelong resident of London. Beloved wife of Joe (1920-2016) for 72 years who was her best friend and the love of her life. Loving mother of Sharon (Tim) and Raymond and his companion Cynthia; cherished grandmother of Nathan and Justin (Melissa) and welcoming her into heaven is her little angel granddaughter, Shannon. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents Giuseppe (Joe) and Teresa (née Rizzo); by siblings Bill (Stella), Tina, Veto (Muriel) and infant brother, Fiorindo. She will be greatly missed by her numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to being a wonderful wife and mother, Catherine helped her husband Joe establish Rogolino Electric Inc. Catherine had many passions throughout her life. In years past, she knitted sweaters for her family and made countless afghans. Recently, she began knitting again and made a lap blanket, headbands for nurses, and was working on a sweater for herself. Sewing was also an interest she enjoyed years ago. Cooking for her family and reading cookbooks was one of Catherine’s lifelong pleasures and until her passing she enjoyed watching cooking shows on TV. Catherine was a hard-working lady who enjoyed relaxing at the Point Clark cottage and wintering in Florida at the mobile home. Catherine often said she was blessed in life. She was fortunate to enjoy many years of travel with her family and as a couple to exciting destinations such as western Canada, Europe, Barbados, Portugal, Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Las Vegas and New York City. She took great pleasure in reading, card playing, and word searches. Each evening, Catherine and Joe would play scopa and briscola and have tea and toast after their game. Catherine’s faith was always important and was a source of comfort to her. Her devoted belief in God brought her peace throughout the years and in the time preceding her death. She was a member of St. George’s Roman Catholic Parish and a member of the Catholic Women’s League for over 65 years. Her family will remember her kind and loving ways, her magnetic personality and the sound of her laughter. Catherine greeted others with a friendly smile and a sparkle in her eyes. She had a joie de vivre. Catherine will always live in the hearts of her family and be an exemplary role model of courage in the face of health challenges. The family wishes to thank the many friends and family members who visited Catherine and offered their support. We would like to thank doctors, nurses, PSWs and staff who took such good care of Catherine at Marian Villa and St. Mary’s. Catherine’s family especially would like to thank all of the doctors for their compassion, patience and excellent attention. The love and care given by all levels of staff at St. Mary’s and Mount Hope went above and beyond what anyone could hope for. It truly was Kay’s home and the love she felt for those who were responsible for her was definitely reciprocated. Due to concerns related to COVID-19, the funeral will be limited to Catherine’s children and their families. In memory of Catherine, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and can be arranged by contacting the funeral home. ‘To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” –Thomas Campbell (1777-1844), Scottish poet To live stream the funeral mass on Thursday July 16th, 2020 at 11 a.m., enter the following link https://stgeorgelondon.ca/