Barbara Jean Cahill Gianoli

Barbara Jean Cahill Gianoli

Barbara Jean Cahill Gianoli, 88, of Reno, Nevada passed away on May 17th, 2015, with her family by her side. She was born to Arthur and Alice Cahill on July 24th, 1926 in Ely, Nevada. Barbara graduated from White Pine High School in 1944. She married Albert C. Gianoli in Ely, Nevada where the two resided until his death in 1993. Shortly thereafter she relocated to Reno, Nevada where she joined her son, Paul and daughter, Lisa and enjoyed a very active and independent lifestyle.

Barbara was a woman of unwavering strength and fortitude. Her remarkable memory provided a wealth of knowledge about the people and history of White Pine County. She was the consummate Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother who always placed the wellbeing of her family first.

Her spirit of giving went beyond her family and was reflected in her many contributions of both her time and resources. Barbara served as Chairman of the Board of The First National Bank of Ely and was a board member for both the University of Nevada, Reno Foundation and the William B. Ririe Hospital. She also served as a volunteer emergency medical technician. She was very generous and supportive of many worthy organizations including, the White Pine Historical Railroad Foundation and the University of Nevada, Reno.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Albert C. Gianoli, an infant daughter Marie, her parents Arthur and Alice Cahill, her brother Jerry Cahill, her son-in-law Mitch Hill, and her constant 14 year companion - a West Highland Terrier, Katie.

She leaves behind four children Paul Gianoli (Mary), John Gianoli (Julie), Nancy Knudson (Steve), and Lisa Gianoli; five grandchildren Jill Gianoli, Angie Gianoli, Katie Gianoli, Elizabeth Knudson, and Eric Knudson; one great-grandson Jack Gianoli-Husbands; and her sister Joyce Brown.

She was an exceptional person and her family was blessed with her love and guidance. She and Albert taught their children the importance of hard work, family and loyalty - their legacy will live on.

A Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 20th at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ely, Nevada. Immediately following, there will be a Celebration of her Life at the Nevada Northern Railroad Freight House.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, 550 Italy Drive, Sparks, NV 89434, the Carmelite Monastery, 1950 LaFond Drive, Reno, NV 89509, or Nevada Northern Railway Museum, P.O. Box 150040 - Ely, Nevada 89315.

Online condolences may be expressed in the Book of Memories at www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com.