Pierina Bernazzani, 86, of Las Vegas, NV passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 26, 2006 in Austin, TX. Born to Pietro and Graziosa Paganelli Rossi, recent immigrants to Brooklyn, NY from Mareto, Italy, Pierina moved to Italy with her parents before the age of one year and spent the next thirty years raised in the small mountain town of Mareto. The daughter of the town's mayor she and her family survived the occupation of her town and her house by the German Army during WWII, while they hid Italian Partisans in secret hiding places in the fields and barns. One of the brave Partisans, John Bernazzani, would later become her husband. After WWII, Pierina and John wed and she gave birth to their first child, Daniela. In 1949, the family of three immigrated to the USA through Ellis Island and made their home in Brooklyn, NY where they had two more children Marie and John Peter. In 1962, the family moved to Las Vegas, NV. Pierina soon became well known for her culinary talents. Family, friends, and business acquaintances constantly sought seats at her table. She was an active member of The Catholic Daughters of America, The Italian Catholic Federation, and the Italian American Club Auxiliary. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her sister and brother in law, Ida and Lucio Zanin of Las Vegas, NV, brother Mario Rossi of Las Vegas, NV, daughter Daniela Bernazzani of Las Vegas, NV, daughter and son in law Marie and Jonathan Betcher of Austin, TX, son and daughter in law John Peter and Robin Bernazzani of Durango, CO, grandchildren David Verrilli of Phoenix, AZ, Robert Verrilli of Las Vegas, NV, and Sarina, John Christopher, and Isabella Bernazzani of Durango, CO. Visitation will be at Palm Mortuary, 1600 S. Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146 on Sunday April 30, 2006 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Memorial service will be at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4925 S. Torrey Pines Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89118 on Monday May 1, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. followed by graveside service at Palm Mortuary, 1325 N. Main St. Las Vegas, NV 89101. The family wishes to thank the wonderful people at Hospice Austin and caregiver Maryanne Attal and for all of their love and support. Those wishing to contribute memorials are invited to do so at: Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Rd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759 (www.hospiceaustin.org) Alzheimer's Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (www.alz.org); or to the organization or charity of your choice.
Published by Austin American-Statesman on Apr. 30, 2006.