Bianca Grazia Bracken

The world became a smaller place when the bundle of energy surrounding a heart of joy, known as Bianca Grazia (Grace) Bracken, died late in the evening of July 11th, 2024. Her husband Charles (Chuck) Bracken, who she called Carlo, was at her side as he had been every day during her long final illness.

Bianca was born outside of Trieste, Italy on May 21, 1930 to Eliza and Giuseppe Lucchina. The chaos and destruction of World War II surrounded her early life. She suffered food shortages, Nazi German occupation and persistent bombings.

The post-war world changed her life with the arrival of the American military and especially one American soldier. They courted and were married in Trieste. Bianca arrived in the USA in 1951. She was sworn in as US citizenship in 1957, an event attended by her husband and her two children, Betty and Ed.

Sports were a big part of Bianca’s life. She excelled at all games. She carried a 199 average in a scratch bowling league while throwing a 16-pound ball. She took up golf late in life and worked diligently to achieve a 7 handicap. She competed in multiple golf tournaments including at the state level. Bianca was particularly proud of her 4 hole-in-ones.

Bianca was a fan of all Toledo sports. She was a volunteer who sold 50/50 raffle tickets at Toledo Rocket sporting events for over 25 years. She was an avid booster of both the Toledo Walleye and Toledo Mud Hens.

She had a mischievous smile and brought laughter to the people around her. Bianca visited local hospitals dressed as a clown to bring smiles to patient’s faces. The comedian Jamie Farr, who she met in a golf tournament, said she was a bigger clown than he was.

Chuck and Bianca traveled the world together. They visited places, among others, like China, Egypt and New Zealand. One trip took them back to Trieste where they renewed their vows for their 50th wedding anniversary.

Bianca was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and five sisters. She is survived by her husband of over 75 years, Chuck Bracken, son Edwin (Ed) Bracken, daughter Elizabeth (Betty) Kalish and her husband Jim. Bianca is also survived by her grandsons, Kevin (Sarah) Kalish, Erik (Ashley) Kalish and three great-grandchildren: Colin, Emmy, and Hallie.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave, Toledo, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Wednesday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Interment and a funeral service will follow at Toledo Memorial Park.