Gilda Lencioni

Gilda Lencioni, 88 years old, a longtime Batavia resident, passed away peacefully August 18th at The Holmstad.

Memorial Services will be held next summer. Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation rites.

Born in Ottawa, IL, Gilda attended Ottawa High School and worked together with her brother and sisters in their family business, Bianchi’s ice cream parlor. After graduation, she completed stenography school and started to work for Pepsi Cola, Inc. in Chicago where she soon became executive secretary. After many wonderful years at Pepsi, she retired in 1993 and went to work in the gourmet food department at The Little Traveler in Geneva.

Gilda traveled extensively, both in the US and overseas, especially Tuscany, Italy the birth place of her parents. She was a passionate antique collector, clothing shopper and loved gardening.

In 1973, she left the city and moved to Britta Lane in Batavia with her sister, Norma, and their lifelong friend, Marguerite (Peggy) Dowd. The three never married and were affectionately called "the girls" their entire lives. The “girls” were original season ticket holders to the Kane County Cougars and spent many wonderful nights watching their team and spending time with friends!

Gilda is preceded in death by her three older siblings, Almida, Dario and Norma. She is survived by six nieces and nephews, 15 great-nieces and nephews and one-great-great niece. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved sister Norma at St. Columba Cemetery in Ottawa.