GHIO, LAURA RAQUEL Sept. 11, 1923 to August 3, 2011 Laura Ghio was born in 1923 to Raquel and Frank Vinole in the Little Italy community in San Diego. From very early in life Laura developed a nurturing nature with her family by learning how to maintain a home for her mother, brothers, and her nephews while working to insure that everyone's needs were met. Laura met the love of her life, Fortunato Ghio, whom she married in 1948. Together they began a life of family, faith, and work. In 1954, they moved to the State College area where they raised their three children. Laura was the consummate homemaker and was dedicated to her children and her husband. Over the years, she sacrificed her own needs to insure that her children did not want for anything. The most important gift that Laura gave her children was that of a strong work ethic and a sense of integrity. She taught them that if they wanted things in life, they would have to set goals and work for those goals. She also instilled in them the power of confidence that they could accomplish anything that they set their minds to and that if they tried their best, good things would always happen. Laura developed a strong bond between all members of her family. A true matriarch, Laura held regular family gatherings at her home where the three generations shared Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and other special occasions together. These bonds and traditions are cemented in her children and their spouses, Patty/Joe Herrington, Augie/Mavi Ghio, and Joe/Lou Ghio; six grandchildren, Justin Ghio, Laurie Risser, Gregg Herrington, Patrick Herrington, Joseph Ghio, and Anthony Ghio; and her two great-grandchildren Noah Risser and Jemma Ghio with one on the way on the Risser side. Laura had a strong belief in God and remainded faithful throughout her life with her daily prayers. She was a longtime member of Blessed Sacrament Church where she enjoyed Sunday services even in her later years. Services are scheduled to be family only at Featheringill Mortuary on El Cajon Blvd. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations in Laura's name to Blessed Sacrament Parish at 4551 65th Street, San Diego, CA 92115.

Published in U-T San Diego on Aug. 11, 2011