Filomena Pia

Filomena Suardi Pia, affectionately known as Mina, was born in Fasana, Italy, on February 12, 1929, to Antonio and Adda Suardi. Filomena grew up while Italy was in extreme economic straits, and her family was not exempt from these difficult times. Her educational opportunities were limited, due to her family’s need to have her work and contribute to the family’s finances. In spite of her limited educational opportunities, Filomena often recited poems and sang songs she learned in elementary school. Her mother, Adda, died while Filomena was a teenager, and Filomena took up the responsibility of helping to raise her younger brothers and oversee the household needs.

In 1956, Filomena was introduced through a relative to Alessandro Pia, who was a recent widower from the U.S. After exchanging letters for almost a year, Allessandro travelled to Italy, where he and Filomena were married on July 22, 1957 in Genoa. They soon returned to the U.S. and settled in Cupertino, California, where three of their four children were born: Allessandra, Alex and Mario. Their youngest son Luigi was born in Marysville, California.

Filomena enjoyed raising her children, keeping up the household, gardening, and entertaining friends and family. During the last 10 years her of marriage, Allessandro became ill with Parkinson’s disease. Filomena spent many years caring for her husband, while raising four teenagers. After her husband’s death in 1978, Filomena returned to school, enrolling in English as a Second Language at the local community college, where she did very well. She also enjoyed spending time with her family. Her interests included sewing, crocheting, knitting, decorating, ceramics, as well as playing checkers and bingo.

Filomena had a strong love for the Lord. Her children have witnessed her many times thanking the Lord for all his blessings on her life, all the while cleaning the house. She always asked for safe travels before turning on the car. Jesus Christ was the most important person in her life. She taught her children and her grandchildren to love the Lord by her example.

Filomena always had something witty to say. When someone was ever heard saying “That’s easy!” she would famously respond by saying, “Everything is easy, when you know how!” She also made sure she was on center stage, whether it was with her sparkling outfits, her jokes and witty stories.

Filomena will be greatly missed. She loved people and was quick to engage with others and share her zest for life with them.

Filomena was preceded in death by her sister and six brothers. She is survived by her four children, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Private entombment was at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg, Illinois. Arrangements were entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.