ZANONI, Bice
Posted: March 15th, 2022
Bice Zanoni
1927 – 2022
Mrs. Bice Zanoni, aka Nonna, beloved wife and soul mate, of the late Mr. Armando Zanoni, aka Nonno, passed away at Fairmont Extendicare, Lethbridge, on March 9, 2022, at the age of 94.
She was born on November 21, 1927, in Riva, Trento, Italy; where she was raised and educated. Growing up with her parents and siblings, she developed a love for family, cooking and of nature.
On November 25, 1948, Bice, married the love of her life, Armando. In February of 1950, Bice, Armando, and 3-month-old daughter, Rosi, immigrated to Canada through the port of Halifax, crossing Canada by train to their destination in Picture Butte. In 1951 the family moved to Lethbridge, where the family grew over a few years to include Wilma and Guido. It was here that her brother Mario Bonora joined them from Italy rounding the family to six.
After a few years, the family moved to their farm southeast of Lethbridge. She was often at Armando’s side helping with the daily tasks leading to a successful and prosperous farm life. Her garden and flowers were only outshone by her mastery of cooking.
Her ability to share Italian Fairy tales, poems, and stories of growing up with her family in Italy, made the long days on the farm memorable.
Nonna was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother/Nonna, and Bisnonna, who took tremendous pride in the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. How her eyes sparkled with joy whenever she held and cared for each one of them.
Nonna is survived by her daughters, Rosi (John) Gregory, Wilma (George) McCrea, and son Guido (Gerda) Zanoni. She is survived by 7 grandchildren, Clayton Wiebe, Dalyce (Corbyn) Wehlage, Jesse Gregory, Matthew (Shandra)Gregory, Katherine (Dayne) Nickel, Adam (Rachel) Zanoni, and James (Susanne) Zanoni, and 15 great grandchildren, her brother Mario (Addy) Bonora and numerous nieces and nephews in both Canada and Italy.
Nonna was predeceased by her husband Armando, her parents, Guido and Celestina Bonora, brothers and sisters, and grandson, Jonathan Gregory.
A special thank you to the staff of Fairmont Extendicare for the outstanding care she received while her stay there. We are forever grateful.
Nonna, was a very warm, caring, loving Mama, Nonna, Bisnonna, who opened her heart and home to all who crossed her doorstep, no questions asked. She was always willing and able to prepare a table full of enticing food and drink at a moment’s notice, astounding all who sat at her table. And you’d better eat and drink or she’d keep putting more in front of you. Joy and laughter always filled Nonna’s home, the more the merrier.
Love you always Mamma/Nonna/Bisnonna.
“A truly remarkable woman who had the strength and courage to move to Canada and then work so very hard and yet always so happy, such a gracious host, and a very beautiful person! She leaves behind the legacy of a beautiful family to make the world a better place.”
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM, on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 PM, on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Ave South, Lethbridge. Interment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery. The family invites those who wish to watch the service via livestream by going to https://www.tikilive.com/channel/allsaintsparish.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.