Obituary of BIDINOT – Genoveffa

May 3, 1920 – January 27, 2011 It is with great sadness and yet some joy that we announce the passing of Genoveffa (Bianca) Bidinot of Calgary, on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at the age of 90 years. The sadness is for us, as we have lost a much loved mother, Nonna, sister, aunt and friend. The joy is for her, as she is finally able to join her beloved husband Marino, who predeceased her in 1997. They shared a special bond rarely seen in couples and she never truly felt herself whole or complete without him. Born in Chions, Pordenone, Italy on May 3, 1920, Bianca was one of six children born to Lucia and Giuseppe Facca. She left home at fourteen to work to help support her family. She grew up in Chions, as did Marino. In their younger years, Marino was not enamoured with Bianca as she was very much the tom boy. Bianca had dark brown hair but was outside so much of the time, the sun bleached her hair white, thus the nickname “Bianca”. When asked what happened to change Marino’s opinion, they would each respond “I grew up”. They married on February 16, 1949. Marino immigrated to Canada in 1951 and Bianca followed him in 1952. In 1953, their son Hugo was born, followed by daughter Marina in 1957. They made their home in Fort William, ON, now called Thunder Bay. Bianca placed the utmost importance on family and a strong work ethic and worked hard to instil the same values in her children. Her husband, son and daughter were the focus of her life and no sacrifice was too great for any of them. Her garden was legendary in Thunder Bay, and she happily provided apples and fresh produce to friends and neighbours. Her green thumb extended to indoor plants and many took advantage of her ability to “cure” plants, especially African Violets. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League for over fifty years. In 2006, she moved from Thunder Bay to Calgary to live with her daughter and family. Bianca is survived by her son Hugo Bidinot of St. Thomas, ON; daughter and son-in-law, Marina and Tony Franco of Calgary, AB; grandchildren, Olivia and Eve Bidinot and Cristy and Steve Franco; brothers Piero (Josette) Facca and Pino Facca of France; sister-in-law Caterina Santin of Italy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Marino; parents Lucia and Giuseppe; brothers, Lino and Vico; sister Teresina, sisters-in-law, Irma, Foscarina and Maria; and brothers-in-law, Bruno, Guerino, Giovanni and Evaristo. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church (1600 Acadia Drive S.E.) on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service will be held at St. Andrew’s Cemetery, Thunder Bay, ON. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, Suite 201, 222 – 58th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com. In living memory of Bianca Bidinot, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.