Christine Fiorito Memorial
Christine Fiorito 1959 - 2023
Christine went home to her Heavenly Father on October 4, 2023, with family by her side. She lived life to the fullest despite a diagnosis of cancer fifteen years ago. She defied the prognosis of three to five years with her deep faith, fierce will and boundless joie de vivre.
Chris was predeceased by her mother, Felicia De Liscio, 1921-1982, and her father, the Rev. Carmen Fiorito, 1917-2002. She is survived by her siblings, Maria Stanszus, Judith Ramirez (Joseph), David Fiorito (Judy) and Gloria Gordon (Paul). Chris leaves behind ten much loved nieces and nephews, along with their partners and children. She had a special place in her heart for Caitlin Veitch who came into her life as a young child.
Chris had an adventurous spirit and she often sought out new challenges. After high school, she attended Bible School and also trained as a social worker before deciding that teaching English as a Second Language was her passion. She loved the classroom and after teaching at Mohawk College, in Hamilton, she went to live in Guatemala in the 2000s where she learned Spanish so she could teach more effectively.
Before moving to Guatemala, Chris spent the 1990s living in Muskoka where she worked in advertising for The Forester, a regional newspaper. She was active in the arts community as a trained Flamenco dancer and also as an actress who once performed in a charity run of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues. Chris was a dedicated volunteer with the Muskoka Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services and also supported many other women’s rights initiatives.
In 2009, Chris was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy, radiation and a double mastectomy. After making a moving video about her healing journey for the Canadian Cancer Society, they hired her as a star fundraiser and she excelled in that role for several years.
However, Guatemala, ESL, and a spiritual ministry with women were calling her and she joined Latin America Mission (LAM) in 2013. With much joy, Chris returned to the country she loved as a missionary and teacher. She remained with LAM even after returning permanently to Canada four years ago due to declining health. She settled in Carlisle (Hamilton) where she made many new friends, joined the Grindstone Church, and volunteered at the local food bank.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Louise Bordeleau, Chris’ oncologist at the Juravinski Cancer Centre for her excellent care over the years. They also thank Shari McMaster-Cox, of Home and Community Support Services, for overseeing the home hospice care which allowed Chris to remain at home until the very end.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Chris’ life will be held on Monday, October 30th, 2pm, at the Sheridan Park Family Church, 2440 Fifth Line West, Mississauga or via streaming https://www.youtube.com/live/wtxtHJFLjPM?si=ReIr76glqKHxomRx
Donation in Chris’ memory can be made to Latin America Mission Canada (lamcanada.ca) or the Carlisle Food Bank (flamboroughfoodbank.ca), designating "Christine Fiorito Memorial".
Donate here: https://lamcanada.ca/missionary/44/christine-fiorito
