Mary Kathryne Bianco

It is with heavy hearts that we share with you the peaceful passing of our beloved mother and wife, Mary Bianco.

Mary passed away surrounded by family on May 26th at Hillside Village Care Home.

It is in the knowing that she now is in God’s loving arms, that we smile and remember her remarkable life.

Mary was born and raised in East Kelowna, helping on the family orchard. She went on to become a teacher and it was at her first teaching job in Kimberly that she caught the eye of her husband to be and life-long dancing partner, Albert Bianco.

In 1954 they married and began their life together in Salmon Arm where they raised their 5 daughters.

Mary volunteered within the Health Care Community in Salmon Arm for many years, serving on both the Hospital Board and Homemakers Support Board. She also volunteered with Hospital Auxiliary for 56 years and was a longtime member ( 60 yrs ) of the Catholic Women’s League.

We remember mom most for her unconditional love and support for her family.

Her kind and compassionate ways had a positive and long-lasting influence on those whose lives she touched.

Mary is survived by her husband of 69 years, Albert, and her five daughters, Marilyn Richey (Mike Richey), Janice (Colin Girvan), Shelley (Brian Irvine), Heather Flockhart, and Karen (Richard Bradford); fifteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Dr Weicker and the entire staff of Hillside Village, whose care and compassion cannot be measured.

A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Mary’s life will be held on August 19, 2023 at 10:30 am at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Salmon Arm.