Obituary: Mary Theresa Bilancia, 94, of Citrus Heights, Calif.

Mary Theresa (Ciarlariello) Bilancia, 94, of 7712 Uplands Way, Citrus Heights, Calif., died Sunday January 29, 2012, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the widow of Michael Bilancia, who died January 20, 1991.

Bilancia was born in Staten Island, N.Y., on January 11, 1918, daughter of the late John and Christina (Masterpollo) Ciarlariello. She moved to Waterbury as a child and worked at for 28 years, retiring in 1980.

Bilancia moved to Citrus Heights to be with her daughter in 1982. After suffering a heart attack in 1990, she became active in participating in cardiac rehabilitation at Mercy Cardiac Rehab for 12 years.

She volunteered for many fundraisers for the American Cancer Society and was an avid reader, having spent much time at the library. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and going to the California casinos.

Bilancia leaves a daughter, Elizabeth A. (Bilancia) DeLaurentis Davis of Citrus Heights, Calif., with whom she made her home; a sister, Margaret Giusti of Wilmington, N.C.; a granddaughter, Bethann Mitchell of Sacramento, Calif.; a great granddaughter, Sarah Danielle Smith of Citrus Heights; two nephews, Gary Giusti of Phoenix, Ariz. and Paul Giusti of Wilmington, N.C.; several other nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Gina DeLaurentis.

Calling Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home.

Funeral: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Chase Parkway Funeral Home, leaving from there to an 11 a.m. mass at Our Lady of Loreto Church.

Burial: Following in Calvary Cemetery.