In Celebration of

Gabriella Bush (nee Iannantuoni)

September 16, 1948 -  November 11, 2018

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Gabriella on Sunday, November 11th, 2018. To say that she was Carmen’s better half hardly explains the relationship of these two best friends. The two were inseparable. Their vacations, nights at the theatre, dinners, babysitting adventures and nightly chats over coffee meant that there was nothing they did not share. Gabriella felt herself lucky to have found Carmen and he could not believe his fortune in finding a perfect partner in Gabriella. Loving mother to Paula (Jonathan) Diamond and Deanna (David) Robbins – the girls had a model of wife and mother to emulate with pride. Gabriella’s pride over her girls was evident to everyone who knew her. Both girls have learned so much from their mother and hold on to their memories of many vacations, dinners, outings and all the regular life stuff that you forget to realize is so precious. Dedicated sister to Caroline and Andrew Steger and Rosa Iannantuoni; there was nothing that she would not do for her sisters. The three Iannantuoni girls are the embodiment of their mother’s kindness, determination and lively spirit. Gabe was fortunate to consider her sisters her dear friends. Cherished grandmother to Katie, Lucy, Andrew and Joshua; the grandchildren were lucky to have experienced her love and joyful spirit. Each grandchild spent many hours working on puzzles, playing games, singing songs and helping Grandma bake. These moments were highlights for Gabe and she often regaled her friends with tales of the grandkids exploits. Dearly loved Aunt to David Steger, Anna-Maria Steger, Carina Jackson, Christopher Browne and “Auntie” to Tom Netherway, John Netherway, Mary Margaret Grant and Jamie Grant. Zia Gabe could always be counted on to send a beautiful card or if you were lucky some homemade treats that were sure to brighten your day.

Gabriella was an amazing teacher. From her early years at St. Martins teaching French (and even science her first year!) the impact of her initiatives including the beloved French Café are still felt today. The majority of her career was spent at St. Clare Elementary and her love of teaching junior and senior kindergarten cannot be overstated. She thrived amidst the little ones and made their earliest memories of school happy ones. Gabriella was one of a kind and she will never be forgotten by her family friends. Her smile will brighten the heavens. As expressions of sympathy donations to Covenant House and The Heart and Stroke Foundation would
be appreciated by the family.

Guestbook 

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Ellen Stothers (Friend)

Entered November 13, 2018 from Mississauga

It was an honour to have known Gabe and to have shared many laughs. Not only did she teach three of our children, who loved telling stories of what they had done that day, but I was lucky enough to work with her @ St Clare. It was hard not to call her Mrs. Bush because I heard it so much at home! Such a wonderful person. You will be missed.

Rosa Macri (Cousin)

Entered November 13, 2018 from Montreal, Quebec

My deepest, deepest condolences to the family. Gabriella was a very much loved cousin and I will miss her dearly. My love to the entire family and apologies for not being able to attend the funeral. You are all in my prayers!

Sharon and Ron Wrathall (Friend)

Entered November 14, 2018 from Mississauga

I will always remember our days at St. Martin’s. We were a tight group of new teachers and newly weds. I was also adjusting to the move from Nova Scotia. Gabe was an immediate friend who made me feel so much better about EVERYTHING.
I am heartbroken!

Lynn Romanchych (Former student)

Entered November 14, 2018 from Mississauga

I was very saddened to hear of Gabe's passing. She was an amazing person and outstanding teacher. As a student at St Martins (Grade7 and 8), GABE TAUGHT US French and established a wonderful rapport with many of my friends. I will always remember Gabe asking us to pray (in French of course) for Carmen when he wrote his law exams! When we went to Quebec City, Gabe supervised and we nicknamed her "Granny Bush" and gave her a wooden carving of a lady in a rocking chair! We loved her as our special teacher and actually attended her wedding in Toronto! It was with great pleasure that I began teaching with Dufferin Peel and reconnected with Gabe many years later. We would often cross paths at conferences or PA Days and most recently, she and I had a wonderful conversation at a Retired Teachers luncheon. She shared her pride in her family and was eager to hear about mine.We never forgot one another and I will never forget special memories of Gabe and feel blessed to have known her. I know she made an everlasting memory in the hearts of all who knew her and will forever be missed.

Barbara-Anne Krampert (former student and teaching colleague)

Entered November 14, 2018 from Brampton

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Gabriela. She was an awesome teacher. She always was encouraging and supportive to peers. I extend my prayers to her family. May our Risen Lord watch over you all and support you through this difficult time. She was a spark of light to all who knew her.

Photos 

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Family trip to NYC
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