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Gina Cardamone-Rayner
Gina Cardamone-Rayner
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Gina Cardamone-Rayner Obituary
GINA
Age 55 of Mankato, MN, died Friday, April 13, 2007 at Immanuel-St. Joseph's Hospital. Gina Cardamone-Rayner, a mother bear and an earth mother. Gina was a great mom. Not for her children only, and countless students and clients, but for the rest of us too. Gina the "mother bear" passionately advocated for her children and the children of others. Her children's teachers, principals, and doctors always heard from her when the system wasn't meeting the needs of her kids. But she had a broader worldview and committed herself to helping other people's children as well. She spent many years as a social worker in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Magee-Women's hospital in Pittsburgh serving as a fierce champion for families facing significant challenges. In Minneapolis, she helped "at risk" students at the Community Learning Project become successful by serving as their teacher, informal counselor, and enthusiastic promoter. Gina the "earth mother" consistently served as an abundant source of love and support to her family and friends. She was the one you would call if your heart was breaking. She was the one who showed up at your doorstep with homemade soup and a smile when you were sick. And her generosity and love was not confined to her family or her neighborhood. For example, she was instrumental in the creation of Sojourner House, a residential agency for women recovering from addiction and their children. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Mark Cardamone Rayner; children Teresina, Raphael and Alessandra; parents Lou and Mary Jean Cardamone, siblings Antoinette, Marco, and Dino Cardamone and a wealth of extended family members and friends. Services were held in Minnesota on Sunday. A memorial reception will be held in Pittsburgh on Friday, April 20th at noon at Café Allegro. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with pediatric cancer.
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
13 Entries
Mary Kay Reed
April 20, 2007
To Gina's Family, I will miss Gina's smile. She radiated warmth and love when she smiled.When I showed her how to snowshoe this past winter, she never mentioned to me that her cancer had come back. She just tilted her head to the sky, closed her eyes, and let the warmth of the sun flow into her soul. And she smiled. I will miss her smile ! Please accept my condolences.
Susanne Rostek
April 19, 2007
Dear Cardamone-Rayner families: Words cannot express my sadness at dear Gina's passing. She was a dear friend and neighbor for many years on Eben Street. We struggled through many bad times and shared many good times together. My thoughts and sympathies are with all of you at this trying time.
Marianne & Karen Shaffer
April 19, 2007
Dear Lou, Mary Jean, Marco, Dino and all the Cardamone-Rayner Families -
We were so sorry to hear about Gina.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family at this difficult time. We send our love and support.
Kathleen Shannon
April 18, 2007
Mary Jean and Louie,
Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for you in your grief. No parents should have to see one of their children pass away, and Gina was profoundly vivacious and vibrant and so full of life! We want to see you and hold you, so will call you in a week or so. Of course, if you have time for us before that, please call one of us and we'll set up a time. Again, our deepest sympathies and love. Cassie, Ralph and Betty
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John & Jayne Kreinbihl
April 18, 2007
To the Cardamone Family,
We saw the news about Gina last night and send our deepest sympathy for your loss. We'll keep each of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Lou Cardamone
April 18, 2007
To The Cardamone-Rayner Families
I was saddened to learn of Gina’s passing. Please accept my condolences and the thought that the best and most vivid memories of Gina will always remain with you.
Leslie Klocek
April 18, 2007
Gina was such a big help to my family during her days at the Neonatal Unit at Magee Hospital back in the early 1990's. Gina made such a positive difference in our lives. We were so sorry to hear of her passing. We will remember her always with a smile. Our thoughts are with her family. Her passing is such a tremendous loss.
Ozzie and Linda Lerach
April 18, 2007
It was with such sadness that we heard the news of Gina's passing. She touched so many people in her life, us among them. May God bless all of you.
Sue Grabowski
April 17, 2007
Teresina
So sorry to hear about your Mom, she was a special person and we shared lots at our days at Seton picking kids up after school. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sarah's Mom
Norma Raiff
April 17, 2007
We at Sojourner House were so very saddened to hear about Gina's passing. Gina was always concerned about human needs and wanted to help hurting families in every step of life. Gina's work in helping to establish Sojourner House, a mother's drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, is a tribute to her compassion and love for her fellow sisters in need. Our profound condolences to the family. Know that she will be remembered and missed.
Lori Warner
April 17, 2007
Dear Lou and Mary Jean,
Wendy just shared the sad news with us. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, as you have been since we first heard Gina was ill. Please know that although we are far away we are close in spirit. Gina's legacy will always be remembered - she has touched the lives of so many, her gifts and love will live on.
With love and sympathy,
Lori, Craig, Sydney & Gavin Warner
Maria Jo Venturella Walther
April 17, 2007
To the Cardamone Family,
On behalf of my sister, Rosanna, my brother David, my mom, Rosalie I want to extend our deepest sympathy to your entire family.
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
We will always remember Gina's beautiful smile & her friendliness to everyone.
We will keep Gina and your entire family in our prayers.
Ted and Betty Brunetti
April 17, 2007
Dear Mary Jean, Lou, and Red,
We just heard about Gina. We're so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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