Sebastiana (Nina) Marino passed away on October 27, 2022, one day shy of her 79th birthday. Nina is survived by her third husband Leslie, her son Maurice (Kelly), and grandchildren Quinton, Arielle and Lydia. She is also survived by her brother Francesco and cousin Nicola (Mara).

Nina was born in Italy to Vincenzo and Maria (nee Ferraro), and grew up mostly in Torino. She moved to Toronto, Canada during the winter of ’64, with her first husband. Maurice was born the following year, and while most people call him Maurice, Nina only ever called him Maurizio. Nina loved Canada, but it was a culture shock for her in the beginning. While acclimatizing to Toronto living, Nina struggled with homesickness. She missed her Torino home, and favourite stomping grounds; but most of all, she missed her kind, gentle, hard-working parents, her brother, her Zio Carmelo, Zia Merinda, and her cousin.

Nina was an accomplished student, and earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees, including her doctorate (ABD) from the University of Toronto. She was the recipient of various academic accolades, thanks to her exceptional academic achievements. Remarkably, she accomplished these significant academic feats as a single mother, while also working full-time. Early on, she worked in banking and hospitality. But it was her 40-year career as a university professor, where she found her niche. She began teaching at the University of Toronto (both St. George and UTM campuses), followed by York University, where she worked until she retired. She was forced to stop teaching due to the pandemic closures in the spring of 2020, which ultimately lead to her retirement. Nina was passionate about all of the courses that she taught, but she especially enjoyed teaching Italian to students who equally loved to learn. Known as Professor Marino, she went above and beyond to help her students, even offering her personal telephone number when needed . Many students appreciated her approach so much that they kept in touch with her for years following graduation. Her dedication to teaching was exemplified by the extensive hours that she spent marking papers, adding copious colour-filled notes and explanations so that her students could improve. Nina was also involved in various literary translations, including books, for her universities and the Italian Cultural Institute, and did live translation for various courts and medical conferences.

As a single mother, she sacrificed so much to enrich Maurice’s life through many experiences, including various forms of arts and culture, taking him to many concerts and plays throughout his childhood. Nina’s (and Maurice’s) fondest summer memories included returning to Italy (most summers of Maurice’s childhood) to visit family where they travelled to the mountains, towns, and seaside (particularly Porto Maurizio). Nina didn’t know how to swim, and she was terrified of flying, but she loved to travel and took advantage of her ability to speak many languages as she travelled.

While Nina was always late for formal events, including for Maurice’s wedding, and even the occasional flight, she was also known for her pretty, personally themed, gift wrapping, and creative clues included with each gift. In fact, her clue-writing has become Maurice’s family’s Christmas tradition, to this day.

Nina was always generous beyond her means with family, friends and various charities. She was elegantly stubborn, and lived her life, her way, to the very end.

Cremation has taken place, and a private internment service will take place near her beloved country home in late spring 2024. Memorial contributions may be made in Nina’s name, to Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, Diabetes Canada, Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, World Wildlife Fund, Canadian Cancer Society, or Terry Fox Foundation.

Please join Nina’s family in sharing memories with others on Wednesday, April 3rd 2:00p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at York Funeral Centre.

Nina loved colourful clothing so visitors should feel free to wear bright and cheerful clothing if you wish.