FLORA GHILARDUCCI

Flora Ghilarducci, 96, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones, on December 6, 2024. She was born in Tassignano, Italy on September 8, 1928, to Lorenzo and Orsola Banducci, the youngest of five children (along with her twin sister Maria). She met the love of her life, Leo Ghilarducci, who had come to Tassignano to visit his relatives while he was serving in the United States Army in Italy during WWII. After the war, Leo returned to Italy to marry Flora on July 17, 1949. In December 1949, Flora traveled by herself to America to join her husband and build their life here.

Flora and Leo raised their three children in Buttonwillow, where they owned and ran a grocery store. In 1961, Flora traveled back to Italy to see her family for the first time since she had moved to America. She made many trips back to Tassignano in her life. She and Leo moved to Bakersfield in 1989 to be closer to their grandchildren. Flora enjoyed hosting dinners and was an excellent cook, who never wanted anyone to her leave home hungry. Family was always the most important thing to her and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Flora was preceded in death by her husband Leo; parents Lorenzo and Orsola Banducci; siblings Teresa, Rafaello, Isabella, and Maria. She is survived by her three children Anthony Ghilarducci, Lisa Ghilarducci, and Cynthia Fox and son-in-law John Fox; grandchildren Ryan Fox and wife April, Curtis Fox and wife Ashlie, Rachel Hunt and husband Joseph, and Jessica Fox; great-grandchildren Camryn, Emma, Andrew, Madelyn, and Lucas; sister-in-law Joan Garibaldi, and numerous nieces, nephews, and relatives both in the United States and Italy.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Hoffmann Hospice for their support and care. A private service was held for immediate family, per Flora’s request.