Obituary of Gemma Bianca De Piero

December 19, 1937 – Magnano in Riviera, Italy

November 12, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Bianca De Piero, the beloved wife of the late Giuseppe (Bepi/Joe) De Piero of Coleman, AB, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Bianca was born in Magnano in Riviera, Italy, on December 19, 1937, as the eldest of three daughters to Francesco and Caterina Cozzi. In November of 1952, Bianca, along with her parents and two sisters, Vanda and Marisa, boarded a ship bound for Halifax, NS, Canada, in search of a better life. The family ultimately settled in Coleman, AB, in the picturesque Crowsnest Pass.

In very short order Bianca met the love of her life, Bepi, and married him in 1954. They started a family with their two daughters, Sandra and Loretta, and became a foundational part of the community. Bepi focused on working hard to support his family, and Bianca worked equally hard to support him and make a loving home.

Bianca shared her love of the outdoors with Bepi. She was eager to be his co-pilot whenever he went fishing, hunting pheasants, or picking “blueberries” and mushrooms. Bianca knew how to convert the fruit of their labour into sausage, baking, and Italian dishes. She was renowned for making fruitcakes, antipasto and preserves, and had a hand in making “Bepi’s” wine. She had an amazing talent for cross-stitching and knitting gorgeous scarves, which she generously gifted to friends and family all over the world.

Bepi and Bianca, along with her parents, Frank and Catina, were the foundation of the family. Living across the street from one another, they were like second parents to their nephew Mark, in whom they instilled a strong work ethic and devotion to family. As their girls grew and left home, Bianca and Joe travelled the world to see family in places as far away as Australia, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, and, of course, their beloved Italy. But Bianca and Joe were always most comfortable exploring the wilderness of the Pass and visiting their close friends, of which there were many.

Bianca enjoyed nothing more than telling stories about the apple of her eye, her beloved grandson Nick. She was very proud of him in every sense and always boasted glowingly of his accomplishments, especially as a golfer.

Bianca was predeceased by her husband, Joe. She is survived by her sisters, Vanda Cozzi and Marisa (Decoux); daughters, Sandra and Loretta (Ian Russell); grandson, Nicholas Russell; and nephew, Mark Decoux-Cozzi (Lori Markowsky). Bianca left behind many friends in the Pass and touched many lives.

She was especially thankful for the support she received from all the staff at Peaks to Pines Lodge, friends Donna S., Joanne D., Kim A, Ghie and Michele S., and her great “lodge” neighbour and cherished friend Donna J.

In her final days, she also received tremendous support and comfort from the staff at StayWell Manor, Rockyview General Hospital, and family friends, Bruce and Joan H.

Memorial Services will be held for Bianca in the Spring of 2025. At that time, she will be reunited with her soulmate Bepi in the Blairmore Cemetery where they will rest as they lived, side by side. Announcements are forthcoming.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bianca’s family here.

In living memory of Bianca De Piero, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.