Italia Bacuzzi Dearing

Preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, John Ratcliff Dearing; her parents, Luis and Elvira Pizzati Bacuzzi; four older sisters: Clara Gomez, Catina Bacuzzi, Margarita Zablah and Luisa Mourra, she is survived by three daughters: Tali Dearing Bordelon Guidry (Chester) of Carriere, MS, Joanne Dearing Russell (Robert) of Shreveport, LA, and Melisa “Missy” Dearing Barnett of New Orleans, LA; seven grandchildren: Terrence “T.J.” Bordelon (Christy), Tali Elisa Bordelon Schwaner (Randy), Todd D. Bordelon, John D. Russell (Marilia), Jacob H. Russell, Trevor W. Barnett and Taylor W. Barnett; six great-grandchildren: Jesse, Sophie and Kasey Bordelon; Jonathan and Natalie Schwaner; and Oliver Russell.

As a young girl, Italia left Central America, accompanied by her mother, to attend Sacred Heart Academy. Her great uncle, Captain Salvatore Pizzati, a well- known steamship Captain and leading importer of tropical fruit, was a principal benefactor of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Italia graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and Soule Business College. Together with her husband, she owned and operated Dearing Radio and Appliances, exporting various products to South America.

Past memberships include Christ Church Cathedral, Daughters of the Nile, Bayou Bells, Eastern Star, Daughters of the Desert, New Orleans Floral Trail, Mexican Society, Daraf Ladies and the Ecuadorian Club.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service at 6:00PM at Mother Cabrini’s Chapel, 1400 Moss St., New Orleans, LA 70119. Visitation will begin at 4:00PM. On Wednesday a private interment will be held at 10:30AM at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. Deacon Gurr will be officiating the services. Italia’s six grandsons will honor her as Pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Italia Pizzati Bacuzzi Dearing to Cabrini High School, 1400 Moss St., New Orleans, LA 70119 or charity of donor’s choice.

To view and sign the family guestbook visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.