Obituary for Serina Nicole Timperio
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Serina, on November 15, 2022 at the age of 27 years, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Her memory will forever be cherished by her parents, Enzo and Lisa (Coletti), and her siblings, Nadia (Calin Murgu) and Dante. Beloved granddaughter of Onoria Coletti and reunited with Nonno Pietro “Cicco” Coletti and Nonni Domenic and Maria Timperio. She will be greatly missed by aunts and uncles Carmelina and Gary Wellman, Roger and Karen Coletti, and Enio Coletti and Teresa Romano; godparents Tim and Linda Killop; and dear cousins, many friends, and her furry companion, Stella.
Serina was born on August 17, 1995 in Windsor, Ontario and grew up in River Canard, Amherstburg. From a young age, she demonstrated a fierce independence (climbing the tallest play structures at the park without inhibition) and passion for the creative arts (spending hours creating at her Little Tykes desk). She was a diligent student and an active member of the St. Joseph Catholic Elementary and St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic High School communities, serving on student council and volunteering in and outside the classroom. She stayed active playing soccer, swimming, and horseback riding, was great with children, and had an affinity for animals that led her to volunteer with the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association and to work with children as a swim instructor with the Town of LaSalle and City of Windsor.
In 2013, Serina moved to Kingston to study Fine Art and Art History at Queen’s University. She enjoyed a full life in Kingston. Beyond honing her artistic skills and building a resume through part-time work, she cultivated lasting friendships with a community of peers who enriched her life greatly. During and beyond her time at Queen’s, Serina made friends wherever she went; she took time to connect one-on-one and readily moved beyond niceties to learn about one’s interests, passions, and plans. She spoke with a distinct sweetness and exuded warmth in all her relationships. Following her BFA graduation from Queen’s, Serina pursued a career in the arts for as long as she was able. Her work, which, among other themes, explores the relationship between recovery and resilience in the face of illness, has been exhibited at the Ingram Gallery in Toronto, Art Windsor-Essex, and the Union Gallery in Kingston.
Serina faced profound challenges with patience and grace. Despite an advanced, life-limiting illness, she continued to make ambitious plans, pushed personal limits to show up for loved ones, and remained steadfast in her hope for a cure. In the last years of her life, Serina turned to raising funds for research into innovative neurosurgery techniques and brain injury therapies. She donated proceeds from the sales of her artwork and, in 2021, undertook a “Ride for Research,” in which she logged kilometres the distance from Windsor to Kingston riding horseback. Serina was a creative, adventurous, brave and loyal person. She loved to travel and wished to do more of it; she embraced any opportunity for a dance party; she valued family above all else, and never said no to a good hug. She left us far too soon, and will forever remain in our hearts.
The family wishes to express gratitude to the many health professionals who cared for Serina throughout her journey, most especially Dr. D.J. Cook, Dr. Meighan Valero, Dr. Mohammad Saleh Jarrar, and the nurses of Saint Elizabeth Health Care.
For those wishing to make a memorial donation, please consider contributing to Serina’s Ride for Research or supporting The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.
Friends and family are invited to visit Families First (3260 Dougall Ave., South Windsor, 519-969-5841) on Sunday, November 20, 2022, from 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm. A mass celebrating Serina’s life will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church (9399 N Townline Rd., Amherstburg), on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 11 am. Cremation and private interment to follow. Share memories, photos or make a donation online at www.FamiliesFirst.ca
Serina was born on August 17, 1995 in Windsor, Ontario and grew up in River Canard, Amherstburg. From a young age, she demonstrated a fierce independence (climbing the tallest play structures at the park without inhibition) and passion for the creative arts (spending hours creating at her Little Tykes desk). She was a diligent student and an active member of the St. Joseph Catholic Elementary and St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic High School communities, serving on student council and volunteering in and outside the classroom. She stayed active playing soccer, swimming, and horseback riding, was great with children, and had an affinity for animals that led her to volunteer with the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association and to work with children as a swim instructor with the Town of LaSalle and City of Windsor.
In 2013, Serina moved to Kingston to study Fine Art and Art History at Queen’s University. She enjoyed a full life in Kingston. Beyond honing her artistic skills and building a resume through part-time work, she cultivated lasting friendships with a community of peers who enriched her life greatly. During and beyond her time at Queen’s, Serina made friends wherever she went; she took time to connect one-on-one and readily moved beyond niceties to learn about one’s interests, passions, and plans. She spoke with a distinct sweetness and exuded warmth in all her relationships. Following her BFA graduation from Queen’s, Serina pursued a career in the arts for as long as she was able. Her work, which, among other themes, explores the relationship between recovery and resilience in the face of illness, has been exhibited at the Ingram Gallery in Toronto, Art Windsor-Essex, and the Union Gallery in Kingston.
Serina faced profound challenges with patience and grace. Despite an advanced, life-limiting illness, she continued to make ambitious plans, pushed personal limits to show up for loved ones, and remained steadfast in her hope for a cure. In the last years of her life, Serina turned to raising funds for research into innovative neurosurgery techniques and brain injury therapies. She donated proceeds from the sales of her artwork and, in 2021, undertook a “Ride for Research,” in which she logged kilometres the distance from Windsor to Kingston riding horseback. Serina was a creative, adventurous, brave and loyal person. She loved to travel and wished to do more of it; she embraced any opportunity for a dance party; she valued family above all else, and never said no to a good hug. She left us far too soon, and will forever remain in our hearts.
The family wishes to express gratitude to the many health professionals who cared for Serina throughout her journey, most especially Dr. D.J. Cook, Dr. Meighan Valero, Dr. Mohammad Saleh Jarrar, and the nurses of Saint Elizabeth Health Care.
For those wishing to make a memorial donation, please consider contributing to Serina’s Ride for Research or supporting The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.
Friends and family are invited to visit Families First (3260 Dougall Ave., South Windsor, 519-969-5841) on Sunday, November 20, 2022, from 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm. A mass celebrating Serina’s life will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church (9399 N Townline Rd., Amherstburg), on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 11 am. Cremation and private interment to follow. Share memories, photos or make a donation online at www.FamiliesFirst.ca