Even a year after she finished her storied business run, the warm weather always brings to my mind the wonderful Gina’s Italian Ice. It was a nice family outing for our foursome on a warm summer day to walk about 5-10 minutes to get a sweet treat.
In recent years, I came to enjoy Gina’s even more, especially as they created a larger variety of flavors, like mango, guava, and country lemonade. I would go there often to make my way through the array of flavors.
Gina’s drew a significant fan base in the local area, and she was loved to the end. My brother and I stood in a long line on its final day of the last season, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.
My Aunt Terri was a big fan, and looked forward to it when she came back for visits to Oak Park. My Grandma Dottie enjoyed it, too. One time, after a Labor Day visit, traffic was so good going back to her residence that she almost turned around and headed back to Gina’s. The last time I visited my Grandma before her passing, I took some lemon-flavored Gina’s Italian ice.
A few days afterward, my good college friend Matthew came to visit and I offered to take him to Gina’s. I brought other college friends there, too.
I am so grateful for the many wonderful memories at Gina’s.
Paul Rubio
Oak Park