Urso, Marisa (nee Tignanelli)

(June 3, 1951 – Aug 23, 2015) - “Lord grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change, the COURAGE to change the things I can, and the WISDOM to know the difference.”

Marisa Urso died as she lived – with her family next to her heart. After battling a lengthy illness with incredible strength, grace and humour, she passed away peacefully on August 23, 2015, surrounded by her husband and four children.  

A truly amazing woman, there are not enough words to describe her. Born on June 3, 1951 in Pietrafitta, Italy, she moved to North Bay, Canada three years later with her hard-working father (predeceased), Francesco (Frank) Tignanelli, adoring mother Adelina (nee Aquino) and older brother, lifelong friend and confidante, Elio (Marilyn). Theirs was a tight, loving family unit that stuck together, continuing to live close by throughout each other’s lives and supporting and guiding one another.

Upon graduating from high school, Marisa worked successfully in the banking community for several years, until she married and started her own family. She carried the strong family foundation established by her parents through to her own household.

Her whole life was devoted to her husband and four children. For them, she was both a light and a rock. Her sunlight illuminated their universe, while her strength was their bedrock. A devout believer in the Lord, she lived every day teaching and demonstrating great kindness and love. Always giving, never taking. Full of fun, vitality and spiritual wisdom shared over family dinners. No matter what challenge came her way, she faced it head on. Always brave, and without complaint.  

She was especially proud to be a “nanna”. She loved shopping for her grandchildren and being creative with their gifts. For every special occasion, she spent hours writing poetic, inspiring messages for each grandchild. Surrounding her home with their photos, their faces gave her that extra drive to continue fighting, to “rage, rage against the dying of the light”. Her legacy of love, courage and wisdom passes on to her entire family.  

Marisa is survived by her first love and devoted husband, Giuseppe (Joe) Urso, of 40 years; her beloved children, Rosa (Scott), Melissa (Jose), Daniella (Ralph) and Salvatore (Ozlem); and her cherished grandchildren Samuel, Benjamin, Giuseppe, Olivia and Adelina.

Our undying inspiration. Forever loved. Forever missed. We stand on your shoulders always.“Bye for now”

We will celebrate and honour Marisa’s life with a visitation at McGuinty Funeral Home, 591 Cassells St., North Bay, on Wednesday, August 26, from 7-9pm and Thursday, August 27, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral mass will take place at 10:30am on Friday, August 28, at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 146 Beth Ave, North Bay.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of Marisa’s favoured charities, Myeloma Canada or the National Catholic Broadcasting Council. Also, if possible, give blood. Marisa was forever thankful for the many gifts of blood that helped carry her through. Online condolences may be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com