Rebecca Lana Cimato
Rebecca Lana Cimato, 40, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9th, 2024, after a courageous two-year battle with Cancer, with her loving family at her side.
Born in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1984, Rebecca lived there until her family moved to Sanibel, Florida in 1996. After graduating from Cypress Lake High School she studied at Florida State University in Tallahassee and Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, FL. She returned to Sanibel where she lived and worked establishing a great network of friends. Meeting Ralph was the changing point in her life. They were smitten with each other at first glance. Who knew sharing a love for the poker game, Texas Hold-em, would later blossom into marriage and two beautiful children.
Rebecca and Ralph were married on the Sanibel Causeway in an intimate and simple ceremony. Rebecca’s greatest joys were her children, Nicholas and Gianna. She loved spending time with them and was actively involved in their lives. She participated in their many activities, including soccer, baseball, theater, Girl Scouts and dance. She cherished these moments with her children. She was always full of energy and up for a good time. Enjoying the outdoors together, boating, watching the sunset, and getting together with friends and family were some of her favorite ways to spend her free time.
Diagnosed with Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) in 2022, a rare and aggressive form, Rebecca faced her challenges head-on. For nearly two years, she endured treatments, surgeries, complications, and hospitalizations with unwavering determination and grace. We will never stop grieving the loss of Rebecca. We are deeply inspired by the courage and strength she displayed throughout her illness. In the end, her spirit remained unbroken. Her husband Ralph, her devoted caregiver, was joined by Rebecca’s mother, Carol and stepfather, Joe, who provided unconditional love and support throughout this challenging journey. Their children, Nicholas and Gianna stood by her side, providing constant love and support. Rebecca’s kindness and generosity touched the lives of everyone who knew her. The outpouring of love and support from her community during her illness was a testament to her impression on all of us.
Rebecca is survived by her husband, Ralph V. Cimato, and their two young children, Nicholas (11) and Gianna (7), of Fort Myers, Florida. She is also survived by her mother, Carol Lana Bradshaw, and stepfather, Joe Bradshaw of Sanibel, Florida; sister, Jennifer Lana Staples, and husband, Bill Staples of Fort Myers, Florida, along with nephews Ian and Isaac. Her brother, Marcos Lana of Madison, WI, and father, Cornelio de Paula Lana, filho and stepmother, Aparacida Campolina Lana of Brasil.
To every person who supported Rebecca and her family through this difficult time; It was your generosity, love, support and prayers that gave them strength to keep going. Your outpouring of love will never be forgotten.
While it is not possible to wrap our arms around her now, it is possible to wrap our hearts around the memories we all share with Rebecca. She will be forever loved and missed by her family and all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday June 6th, 2024 at 11 a.m., at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, 12171 Iona Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33908. A reception will follow immediately after service at the Parish Hall onsite.
In keeping with Rebecca’s wishes, the family requests that donations in her memory be directed to Cancer research efforts to help future cancer patients. Donations may be made to Cancer Research at Moffitt Cancer Center (https://www.moffitt.org/give/) or to a charitable organization of your choice.