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CAROLINA VACCHIANO Obituary
March 25, 1942 ~ October 14, 2025
It is with profound sadness the family of Carolina Vacchiano (Perna) announces her passing on October 14, 2025 at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with her family by her side.
Carolina was born on March 25, 1942 to Nicola and Maria Perna in Tufino, Naples, Italy. Carolina was one of seven children and often fondly reminisced about her childhood adventures with her siblings. She loved telling stories of how they would all climb trees together to pick fresh fruit and hazelnuts, laughing and competing to see who could collect the most. Those carefree days were filled with joy and a strong sense of family that remained with her throughout her life.
Carolina married the love of her life Antonio Vacchiano on August 20, 1967. They immigrated to Thunder Bay in January 1968. Carolina and Antonio shared a deep bond and loved spending time together. They enjoyed tending to their garden, cooking side by side, and making the most of their lives together. One of their favorite traditions was spending Sundays in the summer at Chippewa Park, where they would gather with family and friends to play bocce, share homemade meals, and enjoy each other's company. These moments reflected their love for family and one another.
Carolina worked for a short time at Dresswell Laundry before dedicating herself to raising their three children. She became well known for her exceptional cooking and baking especially her famous braciole and tiramisu - which the family affectionately renamed "Victoria Cake" after the birth of their first granddaughter. Her happiest moments were Sunday dinners, when the family gathered together to share and enjoy the delicious meals she lovingly prepared.
Carolina cherished her role as a Nonna and was always ready to lend a helping hand in caring for her grandchildren. They were the light of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them. Her love and devotion to her family were unwavering, and her grandchildren held a special place in her heart.
Carolina also loved to sing, especially Italian songs that reminded her of her heritage. She would often listen to Andrea Bocelli, her voice softly singing along. Her favourite song, Vivo Per Lei, held a special place in her heart - a song she was never tired of, singing it with joy each time it played.
Carolina will be deeply missed by her husband of 58 years Antonio Vacchiano; son Aniello "Nello" Vacchiano (Silvana), Victoria Vacchiano (Courtenay), Antonio Vacchiano (Jessica); daughter Agnese "Agnes" Vacchiano (Greg Ponka), Brianna Crupi (Hunter), Brooklyn Crupi (Austin); son Nicola "Nick" Vacchiano (Colleen Spencer); brothers, Antonio (Teresa) Perna, and Bart (Jackie) Perna; brothers-in-law, Severino (Giuseppina) Vacchiano and Vittorio Vacchiano in Italy; sisters-in-law, Lucia Vacchiano and Rosa Vacchiano in Italy, as well as, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins from both Thunder Bay and Italy.
Carolina is predeceased by her parents, Nicola and Maria Perna; her brother Michele "Mike" (Maddalena) Perna; sisters Veneranda (Felice) Cavezza and Chiara (Antonio) Foglia; sisters-in-law Catarina Vacchiano and Maria Vacchiano in Italy; brother-in-law Andrea Vacchiano in Italy; nephews, Nicola Perna and Nicola Cavezza; niece, Anna Silvano, and great nephews, Domenic Silvano and Matthew Perna.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre 1A for their kindness, support, and the compassionate care they provided to our Mom and Nonna while in their care.
Funeral services for the late Mrs. Carolina Vacchiano will take place on Monday October 20, 2025 at St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Church at 11:00 am celebrated by Father Bonaventure Anaike.Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Should friends so desire, donations can be made in memory of Carolina Vacchiano to the Renal Unit at TBRHSC or The Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Funeral Chapel, 420 Gore St at James.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
It is with profound sadness the family of Carolina Vacchiano (Perna) announces her passing on October 14, 2025 at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with her family by her side.
Carolina was born on March 25, 1942 to Nicola and Maria Perna in Tufino, Naples, Italy. Carolina was one of seven children and often fondly reminisced about her childhood adventures with her siblings. She loved telling stories of how they would all climb trees together to pick fresh fruit and hazelnuts, laughing and competing to see who could collect the most. Those carefree days were filled with joy and a strong sense of family that remained with her throughout her life.
Carolina married the love of her life Antonio Vacchiano on August 20, 1967. They immigrated to Thunder Bay in January 1968. Carolina and Antonio shared a deep bond and loved spending time together. They enjoyed tending to their garden, cooking side by side, and making the most of their lives together. One of their favorite traditions was spending Sundays in the summer at Chippewa Park, where they would gather with family and friends to play bocce, share homemade meals, and enjoy each other's company. These moments reflected their love for family and one another.
Carolina worked for a short time at Dresswell Laundry before dedicating herself to raising their three children. She became well known for her exceptional cooking and baking especially her famous braciole and tiramisu - which the family affectionately renamed "Victoria Cake" after the birth of their first granddaughter. Her happiest moments were Sunday dinners, when the family gathered together to share and enjoy the delicious meals she lovingly prepared.
Carolina cherished her role as a Nonna and was always ready to lend a helping hand in caring for her grandchildren. They were the light of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them. Her love and devotion to her family were unwavering, and her grandchildren held a special place in her heart.
Carolina also loved to sing, especially Italian songs that reminded her of her heritage. She would often listen to Andrea Bocelli, her voice softly singing along. Her favourite song, Vivo Per Lei, held a special place in her heart - a song she was never tired of, singing it with joy each time it played.
Carolina will be deeply missed by her husband of 58 years Antonio Vacchiano; son Aniello "Nello" Vacchiano (Silvana), Victoria Vacchiano (Courtenay), Antonio Vacchiano (Jessica); daughter Agnese "Agnes" Vacchiano (Greg Ponka), Brianna Crupi (Hunter), Brooklyn Crupi (Austin); son Nicola "Nick" Vacchiano (Colleen Spencer); brothers, Antonio (Teresa) Perna, and Bart (Jackie) Perna; brothers-in-law, Severino (Giuseppina) Vacchiano and Vittorio Vacchiano in Italy; sisters-in-law, Lucia Vacchiano and Rosa Vacchiano in Italy, as well as, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins from both Thunder Bay and Italy.
Carolina is predeceased by her parents, Nicola and Maria Perna; her brother Michele "Mike" (Maddalena) Perna; sisters Veneranda (Felice) Cavezza and Chiara (Antonio) Foglia; sisters-in-law Catarina Vacchiano and Maria Vacchiano in Italy; brother-in-law Andrea Vacchiano in Italy; nephews, Nicola Perna and Nicola Cavezza; niece, Anna Silvano, and great nephews, Domenic Silvano and Matthew Perna.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre 1A for their kindness, support, and the compassionate care they provided to our Mom and Nonna while in their care.
Funeral services for the late Mrs. Carolina Vacchiano will take place on Monday October 20, 2025 at St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Church at 11:00 am celebrated by Father Bonaventure Anaike.Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Should friends so desire, donations can be made in memory of Carolina Vacchiano to the Renal Unit at TBRHSC or The Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Funeral Chapel, 420 Gore St at James.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Oct. 18, 2025.
Memories and Condolences
for CAROLINA VACCHIANO
Sponsored by Everest Funeral Chapel The Westfort Chapel.
2 Entries
Barb&Bill Turner
October 20, 2025
Extending sincerest sympathy to Tony and family in the recent loss of a wife, mother, and grandmother. May her memory be a blessing.
Kathleen Moore
October 18, 2025
Although I didn´t know her I am friends with Nello and Kerry and I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to your family during this time
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Memorial Events
for CAROLINA VACCHIANO
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