Obituary of Elvira Lucia Tacalsky

Nee Marusich

Died peacefully while surrounded by family at the Village of Tansley Woods, Burlington on November 30, 2021. Born February 20, 1934 Merna, Slovenia to parents Anthony and Amelia (Mozetic) Marusich. Elvira was predeceased by her parents, Frank (brother), Thea (sister-in-law) Marusich and ex-husband John Tacalsky.  Survived by her loving children, Leo Tacalsky, Joan Mandato (Tacalsky), and Eva Tacalsky and grandchildren, Christopher, Matthew, Gabriella Mandato, Saydie and Lucy Fronteddu. She will be dearly missed by her brother Nick and Doris (wife) Marusich, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins in Canada, Italy and Slovenia. Elvira went to school in Italy, while pursuing her passion in ballet. She immigrated to Hamilton, Ontario with her parents and younger brother (Nick) in 1952 Italy. Her eldest brother Frank followed afterwards. She was 20 years old when she married John Tacalsky and had 3 children. They bought Eastland Garage and Diner in Stoney Creek 1961 and after years of renovations, converted it into 3 dining rooms and a banquet hall and named it ELVIRA'S TAVERN. She was the first woman in Ontario to get a liquor license and received a Fine Dining Award from the mayor of Stoney Creek.  She ran a successful business on her own for over 50 years.  Everyone enjoyed and loved her cooking and bubbly personality.  Years after selling the restaurant she was diagnosed with dementia, but that didn't slow her down, she continued to make people smile and danced for them at the Alzheimer Society and the Long term Care Home. Elvira was a beautiful, generous and compassionate woman and will be greatly missed by all. There will be a church mass at 11 a.m. on December 14, 2021 at St. Gregory the Great Slovenian Church, 125 Centennial Pkwy in Stoney Creek.

Donald V. Brown Funeral Home