In Memory of

Gemma

Carol

Trakalo

Obituary for Mrs. Gemma Carol Trakalo

On Thursday April 17, 2014, Gemma found peace.

Predeceased by son Steven Trakalo; husband Elmer Trakalo; parents Peter & Lucia (nee DiGiuseppe) DeAmicis; sister & brother-in-law Antoniette & Peter DeProphetis.

Survived by her children Julie (John) Michieli, Dan (Tina Travolo) Trakalo, and Michelle (Aaron) Perzan; grandchildren Steven Trakalo, Maximilian & Molly Michieli, and Daniel, David & Dylan Perzan; brothers Francis (Eva) DeAmicis, and Freddy (Wallee) DeAmicis.

Gemma was born May 18, 1941 in Castelli Italy and immigrated to Canada as a young girl with her family. She attended St. Theresa Catholic Elementary, Hillcrest High School, and Lakehead University.

Gemma married Elmer on October 7, 1961 and they shared 41 beautiful years together. They lived in Atikokan until 1963 and then moved and settled in Thunder Bay where they raised four wonderful children.

She began her career as a secretary / receptionist for Doctors' offices before & after marriage. She was the bookkeeper for the family business, “Wizard's Stereo” and many other small businesses. She prepared taxes since 1965 until very recently and was known as “the tax lady”. Gemma was also Assistant Returning Officer for both Federal and Provincial elections from 1987 to 2003.

Gemma was a member of the Lions Club of Thunder Bay from 1989, where she held position of President twice, and also served as Treasurer and Secretary. She was on the Executive of the Lions Eye bank of Manitoba and NW Ontario for 7 years, including 1 year as Chairperson. The Lions Eye Bank was one of the first to donate for the purchase of equipment for the Lions Eye Care Centre at the TBRHSC. Gemma was a member of the Catholic Womens' League, Corpus Christi Church, and was also a dedicated volunteer for Hospice Northwest since 1997.

Gemma enjoyed crocheting, and made many blankets for family, godchildren & friends. She loved to cook and share her unique recipes with family & friends. In her spare time she enjoyed playing Keno. In past years, Elmer and Gemma were host to numerous memorable parties in their home. On weekends you could find stereo reps, political dignitaries, friends and family dancing, eating and enjoying life!

Gemma connected with everyone she met and will be missed dearly.

Funeral Services for the late Mrs. Gemma Trakalo will be held on Friday, April 25, 2014 leaving the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma at 10:00AM to Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 10:30AM, celebrated by Father Allan Lapay. Cremation will follow with private interment at a later date in Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum at St. Andrew's Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday evening from 4:00PM until 6:00PM in the Everest Chapel with Vigil Prayers offered at 5:00PM.

Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Gemma to the St. Joseph's Foundation, Corpus Christi Church or Lions Vision Care Centre would be greatly appreciated.