It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of long-time Fort St. John resident, Giovanna Maria Mucci on November 13, 2022. Giovanna was born in the Cimini family home in the tiny village of Spiano in Italy in 1933. She was the fourth of eight siblings. Life in Spiano during the 30’s and 40’s was difficult for Giovanna and her family. Hard work was instilled into Giovanna since childhood and anyone who knew her recalls how she tackled every task with unsurpassed determination and intensity.
Giovanna’s life would change drastically when Edmondu (Edmond) Mucci entered her life. In 1958, Edmond travelled to Italy from Canada and they were married. Edmond was, and always would be, the centre of Giovanna’s world. As Edmond became a very successful entrepreneur, Giovanna was always behind the scenes, taking care of him at home with steadfast loyalty and devotion while also contributing enormous amounts of energy and whatever labours she could into his business endeavors.
Arriving in Fort St. John in 1958, Giovanna began working right away at the family store, West End Grocery, before she could speak any English. Edmond then started 4M Furniture with his brothers, which he eventually ran himself. While he took care of the business side, Giovanna became the face of the store. She greeted everyone who came in and was always happy to chat.
When Edmond passed away in 2001 of Leukemia, the biggest part of her world was gone, but Giovanna was always a fighter. She continued running 4M for a number of years afterwards until she finally retired and moved into her final home. Giovanna loved to be social and to entertain guests. To family and friends, she was famous for making enormous plates of homemade spaghetti and ravioli, always serving her perfect tiramisu for dessert.
Giovanna remained fiercely independent right until the very end, until she passed on to be reunited with her siblings Lidia, Anna and Amabile and, the love of her life, her dearest Edmond. Giovanna Mucci will always be remembered by those who knew her and her legacy will live on through her very generous contributions to various charitable organizations.
