Inez M. Cancilla

Born the youngest of eight daughters to Italian immigrant parents, Enrico and Egina Fanucci, Inez grew up in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Her father was a coal miner, and her mother was a loving homemaker who baked delicious treats and knitted sweaters for her family. As a young girl, Inez was a spirited tomboy who played the accordion and loved running home for her mother’s fresh fried dough. At the age of 15, she lost her mother, and her older sisters stepped in to guide, support, and love her.

In 1957, Inez, her father, and one of her sisters moved to California, where she met Albert Malkon. They married in 1960 and were blessed with three children. Inez surprised the family by becoming the first known member of the family to have twins. Sadly, she was widowed at the young age of 40.

Coming from a family of strong women, Inez persevered with her sisters by her side. Raising three young children while working two jobs, she faced life’s challenges with strength, determination, and grace. In 1974, she married Samuel Cancilla, a wonderful man who embraced her children as his own. Together they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage. They loved traveling, taking casino trips, and enjoying Monday bingo at the Italian Men’s Club.

In 2019, Inez became a widow for the second time. At 86 years old, it was the first time she had ever lived alone. Never one to be left behind by the times, she became a FaceTime pro and enjoyed staying connected with family and friends.

Inez loved her family dearly. Ice cream was her second love, and, as many who knew her can attest, so was Engelbert Humperdinck.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Enrico and Egina Fanucci; her seven sisters; Angelina Lombardi, Lucy Marconi, Mary Morganti, Yolanda Fanucci, Helen Biondi, Lena Swiderski, Lindy Lico; and her husbands, Albert Malkon and Samuel Cancilla.

She is survived by her sons, Keith Malkon (Rickey Dawson) and Paul Malkon (Tanya Malkon); her daughter, Lisa Hand; her grandson, Riley Malkon; her granddaughters, Kenzie Malkon, Ava Hand, and Ella Hand; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Inez’s strength, resilience, humor, and love for her family will be remembered always. She leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, laughter, and devotion that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050, US, on July 15, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and a Rosary Service will take place there on July 15, 2026, at 6:00 pm.

Final resting will be at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln St., Santa Clara.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. See link below.