A Love Story: Giulio and Tina Mari
This document tells the love story of Giulio and Tina Mari, from their meeting in Italy through their marriage, family life, and spiritual journey together. It recounts their experiences in Italy, England, and Canada, the challenges they faced, and the growth of their family over nearly four decades together until Tina's passing in 2008.
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Early Life and Meeting
Giulio Mari was born in Salerno, Italy on May 7, 1947. He grew up in a close-knit family with his parents, sister Bettina, uncle Biagio, and grandmother Betta. His father and uncle ran a respected car repair shop in Salerno.
As a young man, Giulio enjoyed riding motorcycles and took trips through Europe and North Africa. He briefly studied Aeronautical Engineering and became involved in left-wing politics, but grew disillusioned.
Giulio met Tina, a beautiful university student, when she visited his sister Bettina. It was love at first sight. Tina was born in Italy but had spent years in Venezuela with her family before returning. Despite her parents' disapproval, Giulio and Tina began dating and fell deeply in love.
Young Love in Italy
Giulio and Tina often went for long motorcycle rides along the beautiful Amalfi Coast, spending hours talking and growing closer.
Political Turmoil
The 1960s were a time of political unrest at Italian universities. Giulio briefly became involved in left-wing politics before growing disillusioned.
Spiritual Journey Begins
In 1973, Giulio left Italy seeking work and new experiences. He traveled through Europe, eventually reaching England. There he met Noel Atkins, a British Navy officer, who invited him to study English at Elim Bible College.
At the college, Giulio befriended Pietro, another Italian student. Through conversations with Pietro about God and Jesus, Giulio had a powerful spiritual experience. He felt convicted of his sins and gave his life to Christ, experiencing a profound sense of joy and transformation.
Meanwhile, Tina was pregnant and struggling in Italy. She joined Giulio in England, initially upset by his newfound faith. But soon after, Tina had her own spiritual awakening at a Bible study in Southend-on-Sea. She called Giulio excitedly to tell him, "I found your Jesus!"

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Leaving Italy
In 1973, Giulio leaves Italy seeking work and new experiences abroad.

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Spiritual Awakening
At Elim Bible College, Giulio has a powerful conversion experience and becomes a Christian.

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Tina's Journey
Tina joins Giulio in England and soon has her own spiritual awakening at a Bible study.
Marriage and Family
Giulio and Tina married on September 7, 1973 in a simple ceremony officiated by Pastor Chris Chilvers. Their son Daniel was born just 21 days later on September 28. They lived for a time with Chris and Margaret Chilvers at Salisbury House, a Christian family center.
The couple returned to Italy in 1978, where their daughter Miriam was born on March 15. However, they found readjusting to Italian life difficult. After much prayer, they decided to emigrate, applying to several countries.
Canada accepted their application, and Giulio moved there in fall 1979. Tina and the children joined him in Victoria on March 15, 1980. Their fourth child, Luke, was born in Canada on November 10, 1982.
Wedding Day
Giulio and Tina marry on September 7, 1973 in a simple but joyous ceremony in England.
Growing Family
Their children are born: Daniel in England, Miriam in Italy, and Luke in Canada.
New Beginnings
The family emigrates to Canada in 1979-1980, settling in Victoria.
Life in Canada
The Mari family settled in Victoria, British Columbia. They briefly moved to Toronto for two and a half years, then to Phoenix, Arizona for four years, before returning to Victoria. Throughout their moves, they remained active in their faith and church communities.
Tina was diagnosed with Lupus Erythematosus shortly before Luke's birth in 1982. This autoimmune disease caused her significant pain and health challenges for the next 26 years. Despite her suffering, Tina remained strong in her faith and dedicated to her family.
Giulio and Tina's children grew up and started families of their own:
  • Daniel married Nancee and had children Lily, Ivy, Lucy, Ruby, and Solomon
  • Paola had a daughter Hannah
  • Miriam married Roger and had children Isabella and Adelle
  • Luke married Sarah and adopted Rentaro, then had children Ruthie and Miles
Tina's Final Years
Despite ongoing health challenges from Lupus, Tina remained a pillar of strength for her family. She was known for her patience, dedication, and deep faith. Giulio describes her as "a champion of patience and dedication throughout her life."
On the morning of December 1, 2008, Tina passed away at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. Giulio was by her side as she took her final breaths. He recalls the moment:
"It is hard to describe the way I felt in seeing her going away and being absolutely powerless at helping her staying longer with me. For a moment, I tried to think that she had just fainted, but the doctor's words made me face reality. She was somewhere else now - passed into eternity, where tears and suffering are no more - Heaven, where, with joy, she is at peace and rest after a life of service to her Lord and her family."
Tina was only 61 years old when she passed away. She left behind a loving family including her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Legacy and Growing Family
In the years following Tina's passing, the Mari family continued to grow:
  • Daniel and Nancee welcomed Lucy, Ruby, and Solomon
  • Miriam and Roger had Isabella and Adelle
  • Luke and Sarah adopted Rentaro from Japan, then had Ruthie and Miles
  • Hannah (Paola's daughter) married Johnny and gave birth to Alani Luna
The family faced some challenges, such as when baby Miles contracted RSV virus and spent 20 days in the hospital. But through it all, they remained strong in their faith and love for one another.
Reflections on a Life of Love
Giulio and Tina's love story spanned nearly four decades, taking them from Italy to England to Canada. Through all the joys and challenges, their faith and commitment to each other remained strong. Giulio reflects:
"Tina and I had been together for 36 years without ever leaving each other; we did everything together, we were inseparable. She had been a faithful wife and a wonderful loving mother, anchored in God's love and principles."
Their legacy lives on through their children, grandchildren, and the memories they created together. Giulio concludes by wondering how many more will be part of the "legacy and fruit of Tina's life; the Great Lady of Mari."
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Young Love in Italy
Giulio and Tina meet and fall in love despite her parents' disapproval
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Spiritual Journey
Both experience profound spiritual awakenings in England
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Family Life
They marry and raise four children while moving between countries
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Lasting Legacy
Their love story and faith continue to inspire their growing family