Cecile Elizabeth Bianco

Cecile Elizabeth Bianco, 58, of Kenosha, WI, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Born on August 13, 1967, in Los Angeles, CA, she was the daughter of Daniel and Mary Louise (Grundler) Bianco. She was an imaginative child who enjoyed books and writing stories with illustrations. As Cecile got older, she took an interest in cooking under the tutelage of her mother. She especially had fondness for desserts. The cakes she baked had elaborate frosting roses made with professional cake decorating tools. She had an affinity for music and played violin in junior high and high school orchestra and later in community orchestra.

She graduated magna cum laude from Occidental College with a BA in mathematics and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society.

She initially pursued computer science, but her interests later turned toward healthcare, leading her to a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco in 1998. She worked as a clinical pharmacist for several years until developing an interest in library science. She earned a master’s degree in library science from Simmons College in 2005. She blended her talents working as a medical librarian at University of Massachusetts Medical Center. After returning to Kenosha in 2011, she continued to work part time as a pharmacist.

Engagement in her Italian heritage, music, and religion played large roles in her life. At one time she lived in Italy for several months studying Italian and immersing herself in the culture. In the states she was a member of the Italian American club. She loved a variety of music including folk artists like Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Peter Paul and Mary, and the Carter Family. The messages expressed in lyrics from these artists struck a chord in her. She was a parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and served as a catechist and Eucharistic Minister and was involved in the Human Concerns Ministry and bible study groups. She contributed her baking talents to the parish, and her rum cake was a crowd favorite. She sought solace in her faith and deeply contemplated the bible and its teachings.

In her heart there was a special place for dogs, and she loved her dog Timber, whom she co-owned with her friend Greg.

Cecile is survived by her father Dan, stepmother Shirley, sister Teresa (Chris Reilly), nieces Erin and Angela, her uncle John, step siblings Kari and Jon, and her many loving cousins. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Louise Bianco.

A memorial gathering will be held on Tuesday May 12, 2026, at Proko Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Internment in CA will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, feel welcome to make a donation in honor of Cecile to the Wisconsin Humane Society.