MAUREEN VESCIO Obituary

MAUREEN JOY VESCIO September 18, 1962 ~ June 13, 2024
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beautiful, beloved mom, Maureen Vescio (nee Spring), on June 13, 2024 after a courageous battle with metastatic cancer.

Maureen was born on September 18, 1962 to David and Shirley Spring in Fort William, Ontario. She grew up in a large house with many siblings on Dease St and attended Selkirk High School. Maureen "Moe" left secondary school early to enter the workforce to support herself, with dreams of beginning her own family one day. Those dreams became a reality when she met Mark in 1983 and after sharing an apartment, settled into their home on Brodie St. before marrying on September 25th, 1987. Moe loved animals, and prior to raising children, their home was shared with several rescue cats who were their "kids" until welcoming their first child, son Myles, in March of 1989. In October 1994 they welcomed daughter Ryley and relocated just a few blocks down the street into a larger home for their growing family.

Maureen was skilled in many different vocations, having worked a variety of jobs including dog grooming, cooking, food service, retail and running a home day care. Anyone who had the pleasure of working with her would say she was the hardest working person they have ever met. Maureen's most impressive skills however were on full display through any one of her many hobbies. A very skilled crafter, you would often find the kitchen table covered in all of her ceramic, sewing, and ornament making supplies, ongoing projects and well thought out gift baskets. Maureen was extremely selfless and generous. She put so much thought into her gifts and was much more thrilled with giving than receiving. She just loved making people happy, and you could guarantee any attempt to reciprocate would be met with some resistance. She loved spending countless hours hand sewing and creating all of her children's one of a kind Halloween costumes and making authentic clothes for her own kids as well as other children. Christmas was a very big deal to our mom, and our Christmas tree was filled with hundreds of ornaments; nearly all of them being highly detailed pieces hand made by her with more added each and every holiday. Years before the internet was ever a thing and without Pinterest for inspiration, you would find her working on and proudly displaying her latest unique creations with great pride and joy. Maureen loved gardening and was an excellent cook. Our family enjoyed endless gourmet meals prepared by her, with everyone's favorite being her extensive holiday turkey dinners with all of the fixings followed by her made from scratch soups and biscuits.

One of the highlights of her life was finally swimming in the ocean and putting her toes in the sand in December 2016 while celebrating Myles and Alyson's wedding in Antigua. We so wish there was more time to take you there again. After the birth of her first grandchild, Maureen retired from her last job at the LU residence cafeteria to assume the role of a full time Grandma. She spent long days and many sleepovers at Aly and Myles' house so they never had to worry about their children's needs being met. She enjoyed every minute of it. Maureen was so proud of her Grandchildren, Leah, 6, and Cole, 3, who brought her endless joy and happiness and they cherished spending time with her. They were truly the apple of her eye.

Maureen was predeceased by her father David, mother Shirley, stepmother Olga, and sister Kim Rigo (Nicholson). She is survived and deeply missed by husband of 36 years, Mark, brother Randy Spring (Angie), sister Gail Gammond (Carl), Brothers Ross Temple-Hurley (Pam) and Brad Hurley (Margaret), Son Myles (Alyson), Grandkids Leah and Cole, and Daughter/ Best Friend Ryley, who she shared a very close and special bond with. Also left to mourn are many step and half siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins, friends, and relatives.

The morning of her passing was a beautiful blue sky spring day and she would have loved kicking back in her chair under the gazebo, enjoying a cold glass of her home made rhubarb lemonade, dreaming up her next home and yard improvement idea. We love you so much mom and we will miss you more than words can describe. Our hearts are broken. How lucky we were to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

The family would like to thank TBRHSC ER nursing staff and Dr. Paige, Her entire oncology team, Bay Shore Nurse Crystal, N.P. Crystal, and St. Joe's Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

As per Maureen's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private service and interment will follow. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.

Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com