Bianca Maria McKenzie

Bianca Maria McKenzie, 89, passed away peacefully at her home on the Potomac River near Mount Vernon in Alexandria, VA on September 2, 2010.

Bianca Maria was born into a large and loving family in Naples, Italy on May 21, 1921. Her father, Gennaro Famiglietti, an attorney, and her mother, Ida, instilled a love of family and church which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. As a young woman, she attended the University of Naples. Following the end of World War II, Bianca Maria met the love of her life, Capt. Sheppard A. McKenzie, Jr, from Mullins, SC. He was a distinguished fighter pilot who was stationed in Naples at the end of the war. They married in Naples in 1946 and honeymooned on the Isle of Capri and had an amazing love story spanning more than 60 years.

As the devoted wife of a career Air Force Officer, Bianca made many friends in numerous places. Full-of-life, engaging, and poised in all occasions and circumstances, she opened her home to everyone with much generosity. A long-time member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Mount Vernon, she was active for many years in the Riverwood Garden Club, Friends of Mount Vernon, Woodlawn Plantation, and the American Heart Association. A talented bridge player she met regularly with her neighborhood bridge club. She was also an avid sports fan and followed the Washington Redskins as well as the North Carolina Tar Heels where her children and many of her grandchildren went to school.

Growing up on the Bay of Naples and the Mediterranean Sea, Bianca Maria loved the ocean. She had a summer residence at Emerald Isle, NC for over 36 years where she enjoyed time with her children and grandchildren. She went with her family on many wonderful trips to Italy. The most memorable trip was her last one there in 2006 to the Isle of Capri. The entire McKenzie and Famiglietti families gathered to celebrate Bianca and Mac’s Anniversary at the Hotel Quissisana where they had their honeymoon 60 years earlier.

Bianca Maria, matriarch of the McKenzie family for decades, loved her Italian and American families dearly. She was well known for her warm heart and loving embrace. Anyone who met her immediately felt welcome and at ease in her presence. Bianca made a lasting impression on everyone and will always be remembered for her generous spirit and kindhearted manner.

She was predeceased in November 2009 by Lt. Col. Sheppard A. McKenzie, Jr, her husband of 63 years. She is survived by her sister, Anna Santoro of Naples, Italy; her sister Lea Palazzo and husband Tony of Alexandria, VA; her son, Dr. Sheppard A. McKenzie III and wife, Sandy of Raleigh, NC; her son Victor B. McKenzie and wife, Libba of Alexandria, VA; her grandchildren, Alison McKenzie Christianson and husband, Marc; Dr. Sheppard A. McKenzie IV and wife, Katie; Jacob Charles McKenzie and wife, Meghan; Jennifer Adams McKenzie and Elizabeth Baker Mckenzie; and her great-grandchildren, Marc David Christianson Jr.; Owen McKenzie Christianson; William Mathew Christianson and Sheppard Allen McKenzie V.