Lisetta V. Viani

Lisetta was born in Marlia, Lucca, Italy on August 1, 1916 to Luigi and Nella Bandoni and passed away on August 15, 2013 in Merced, CA at the age of 97. She was the youngest of three children. She had two older brothers, Guido and Ezio Bandoni.

Lisetta came to the United States on September 11, 1928. Her family settled in the Franklin and McSwain areas and she attended grammar school there. She later went on to Merced High Night School. She worked numerous jobs as a young woman including packing tomatoes at the local cannery and running the family packing shed.

On February 5, 1944, she married John Viani, who was also in the tomato business. Later, they planted almond orchards, which she still owns today. John passed away in August of 1998. They had been married 54 years. Lisetta continued their farming legacy and remained very active in the business.

Lisetta enjoyed traveling and social gatherings. She loved to visit her native Italian country, joining family and old friends to embrace and savor her culture. Her passions were cooking, especially for her family, and gardening. She took pride in spending her mornings and evenings nurturing her beautiful yard.

She belonged to many organizations including the Italian Catholic Federation, Our Lady of Mercy/St. Patrick’s Parish, Italian American Woman’s Lodge, OLM Mother’s Club, Blue Diamond Growers Association and she was a charter member of the Emblem Club.

Lisetta was a wise, strong, hard-working, generous and loving woman and she will be deeply missed.

Lisetta is survived by her daughter, Lida and son-in-law, Pat Palazzo; son, Larry Viani and daughter-in-law, Lisa; grandchildren, Carla Carroll (Chris) of Morgan Hill, Michael Palazzo (Nicole) of Los Banos, Laren and Landon Viani, and step grandson, Cody Beaman, all of Merced. Lisetta was blessed with four great-granddaughters, Fiona and Sofia Carroll, and Lia and Gianna Palazzo. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

Lisetta and her family are so grateful for the loyal dedication of her wonderful and loving caregivers, Elena, Vicki, Anita and Diane.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2013 from 3:00pm-7:00pm at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B St., Merced, CA 95341 with Recitation of Rosary to begin at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 23, 2013 at 10:00am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 671 E. Yosemite Ave., Merced, CA 95340 with interment to follow at Evergreen Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to a charity of your choice.