February 19, 2014. She was 92 year old. She is survived by her two daughters, Donna and Catherine Alioto.
Bianca was born on September 6, 1921, to Michele and Catarina, known to most as “Gemma” Stagnaro in the heart of “Little Italy.”
A Native San Diegan, born and raised. Her father was a fisherman with a small boat and fished locally for the markets. Her mother helped to mend nets for her husband.
Bianca was baptized at Our Lady of the Rosary parish before the church was even built, where she later received her first communion, confirmation and was married. This was her faith community.
The family moved from their home on India St. to 929 West Ivy when she was around three years old. Her first language was Italian, life was simple living among other Italian families, who came to America to give their families a better life… most who settled in the San Diego area came from small fishing villages and found it much like home on the Mediterranean.
She attended Washington school; the original building was torn down and replaced at its present site on State St. There the Anglo speaking teachers not familiar with the beautiful name of Bianca given to her by her parents, dubbed her Blanche, she went by that name for years.
Then it was on to Roosevelt Jr. High on Park Blvd.
She wanted to continue on to San Diego High but that was not to be…
The summer after 9th grade she went to work for Westgate, a fish cannery, packing tuna. Her earnings came as a nice little boost to the family’s income and that ended her formal education. She worked in that cannery for 3 1/2 years.
Soon after, when most of the male population went to war, Bianca answered the call to service and went to work for Consolidated Air Craft where she became a “Rosie the Riveter.”
She met the love of her life in 1942, Frank Alioto, and on January 7, 1945, they were married at Our Lady of the Rosary Church.
Her family was her focus. Her children were nurtured and loved in a big Italian family, and given a strong foundation in their Catholic faith.
The church and her catholic faith was a very big part of her life.
She was a very active member in the parish, she was a member of the Guild, Societa de Madonna del Rosario, taught CCD for years and also worked hard as a member of the altar society cleaning statues and polishing benches until she was unable to get down on her hands and knees and up on the ladders. She served many a Spaghetti dinner, made gallons of sauce and thousands of meatballs. She also sold many raffle tickets and helped with the tithe going to build USD.
She was an active PTA member and was given an honorary life member pin at the end of her service. Thank you mom for always being so supportive of our education and giving us such an idyllic childhood.
She taught us what was important in life. It is not the many things we can accumulate but the love of family, supporting one another and being there for each other when life brings us challenges.
She was one special woman; her story was of giving, sacrifice, wisdom and love. We are so proud and blessed to be characters in her book of life.
We will celebrate and be grateful for your 92 years of a full life. We will always hold you in our hearts.
A Rosary & Mass will be on Wednesday February 26, 2014 beginning at 9:00am at Our Lady of The Rosary Church on the corner of State & Date in Little Italy. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
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