Blanca Sandino

Blanca Sandino, 93, originally from San Francisco, Calif., passed away Mon., Oct. 25, 2010, at 11:40 a.m. in her home in Plainfield, Ind. Mrs. Sandino was born in Granada, Nicaragua, Central America, on April 8, 1917, the daughter of Rafael Bissio (from Italy) and Barbara Bissio Sandino (of Nicaragua). In 1944, Blanca emigrated from Nicaragua to San Francisco, Calif., and was employed as a seamstress at Emerson USA - Flag and Banner Manufacturing, for 37 years, until retirement. During those years, she was a highly respected, dependable employee. In 1957, Blanca married a first cousin, Frank Sandino, receiving special dispensation to do so from the Vatican. Frank, whose father was Nicaraguan Consul General to the United States, died on Feb. 14, 1985, after 28 years of marriage to Blanca. They did not have any children. Mrs. Sandino became a U.S. citizen on March 5, 1974. In February 2008, Mrs. Sandino moved from San Francisco to Plainfield with her nephew, William Gurdian. She is survived by her nephew, as well as many relatives in Europe, Central America, and all parts of the United States, especially San Francisco. Mrs. Sandino is especially remembered for her great generosity, kindness and love for people, particularly children. She was very social and hospitable to all visitors to both of her homes, whether in San Francisco or Plainfield. She was an excellent cook and loved to bake, as well as an excellent seamstress. Over the years, she made countless birthday cakes and special decorations for weddings, baptisms, and other special occasions for family and friends. In her final days, she learned to paint pictures while sitting at her sunny living room window in Plainfield. Mrs. Sandino was a member of St. Susana Catholic Church in Plainfield and St. Peter Catholic Church in San Francisco. Friends may visit on Tuesday after 4:00PM and are invited to attend the Vigil Service also on Tuesday day at 7:00PM and the Funeral Service on Wednesday at 11:15AM from the chapels of Valente Marini Perata & Co., 4840 Mission St., SF thence to St. Peter?s Catholic Church, 1200 Florida St., SF, where a 12:00PM Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Committal to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Blanca Sandino

October 25, 2010