On January 22, 1952, Bisnono died unexpectedly of a brain tumor. Bisnoni always described Bisnono’s death as the greatest tragedy of her life. Not only was her heart broken by the loss of her husband, but she also had to figure out how to take care of her children. At the time of Bisnono’s death, Bisnoni’s four children ranged in age from 5-15. Needing money to support her children, Bisnoni took a job at Western Electric delivering coffee to the company executives. Shortly after taking that job, she took another position within the company making salads for the executives. She also took up a night job at Brachs candies. As much as Bisnoni loved candy, it's a wonder there was any candy left in the factory when she finished her shift!
Bisnoni struggled through the 1950's after Bisnono died. But the one thing she had going for her was her family and close friends at the Frulani club. Her sister, Catine, and her brother-in-law, Fredo, were particularly helpful during that time. Every now and then she would go to a Frulani club party and sing the way she used to before Bisnono died.
Click here to listen to "O c'e biel cis'cel a Udin". This may take a few minutes to download but it's worth the wait! (Extracted from Italian Provences Medley off of the Gaylords All Time Greatest Hits, 1998 - Our Heritage...Pass it On Music Label.)
And here are English lyrics to this song written by Bisnoni's friend, Angie, and sung at Bisnoni's 90th birthday party on July 15, 2000.
Here's another song Bisnoni used to love to sing. It's called "Matsaling di Fiori". (I know I spelled that wrong, so if anyone wants to e-mail me with the correct spelling, I promise to change it!) Click here to listen to "Matsaling di Fiori".(Extracted from Italian Party Medley off of the Gaylords Music, Laughter and Song, 1996 - Overture Music Label.)
Please direct questions and comments to:
kvidoni@scs.unr.edu
URL of this document: http://www.scs.unr.edu/~kvidoni/1950.html
Last Modified: Saturday, November 26, 2000 14:17:53