Gilda Leone

Gilda (Jean) Leone"Nonni "  Nonni passed away the morning of December 1, 2004, in Salt Lake City.  She was born February 13, 1915, to Samuel and Catherine Bisignano, in Hanna, Wyoming. She was raised in Hanna, and graduated high school there. Nonni moved to Salt Lake to further her education, but met Ben, married, and celebrated 50 golden years of marriage with him. With tremendous love, patience and understanding, they raised four children. Those were indeed happy days. Nonni worked 30 years for the D&RG Railroad, retiring as Inbound Freight clerk at the Roper Yards. Nonni led an active life. She was an avid reader, loved to play the slots in Wendover, and traveled the world over, having taken seven or eight cruises. Along with other wonders of the world, Nonni saw the pyramids along the Nile. She loved Hawaii. Nonni's cooking skills were legendary. Nonni could cook the best Italian dinners in the state, and it would be easy to gather hundreds of people around the city to certify that statement. She loved to bowl, amassing an impressive array of trophies and bowling honors. Nonni also loved the Jazz, and followed the team with fervor. Nonni was blessed with many virtues. She was kind, gentle and compassionate; tolerant, understanding, and fair. And she was wise. Nonni suffered the little children to come to her, and she doted on them. But above all, Nonni loved hard and unconditionally. And, oh, was she loved hard and unconditionally in return. Nonni is survived by her daughter, Rosalie; sons Frank and Sam; sister Rose, 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Preceded in death by her parents; husband Ben; daughter Katie; brothers Frank, John, Joe, Carmen; sisters Mary, Sue, Angie. The family has many people to commend during the long process of Nonni's passing, but special thanks must be given to Melanie Morf, Nonni's hairdresser (who kept Nonni looking spiffy to the end), the CareSource Hospice, whose able and compassionate staff provided Nonni excellent care with dignity, and the family solace; and especially to Doctor Stephen Aslami -- Nonni's dear and glorious physician. A funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 1375 E. Spring Lane (5000 S.). A vigil service will be held Friday at 7:00 p.m. also at the church, where friends may call from 6-7 p.m. Committal, Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Avenue and T Street. Funeral Directors, Neil O'Donnell and Sons Mortuary.