Diana Cioni Bergonzoni

Diana Cioni Bergonzoni, age 93, of Kentwood, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at her home. She is now pain free and reunited with the rest of her family. Mom was a fantastic cook, who loved to share her recipes with family and friends.  She started collecting cookbooks because reading the recipes helped her with her english language. Mom loved watching her favorite Italian TV programs to help her stay connected to her homeland. In her younger days she worked as a bakery clerk for the most famous bakery in Bologna, Paolo Atti e Figli, founded in 1880 and still open today and world renown. It was there where she met my father, Ivo, who preceded her  in death.  Born in Sasso Marconi province of Bologna, Italy on July 26, 1922, Diana emigrated with her family to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1974. She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Elisa Bergonzoni. A graveside service will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens on Tuesday at 10 am with Pastor Dennis Gilbert officiating. All are welcome to attend. David Kessler explains why losing a parent hurts at any age. “When a parent of an adult dies, some view it as a rite of passage. Some feel you should take that death in stride, handle loss in an adult manner. What does that mean? Not be sad? Be grateful mom didn’t die when you were a child? That would be underestimating grief. Loss does not diminish because you are an adult or because your mother or father lived a long life. Here’s what most people don’t understand: whether our parents live near or far, are emotionally close or distant, they anchor us to the world. Even though we know they will die someday, most of us can’t fathom a world without them. Can you imagine a world without a sky? Of course not. It has always been there. Our society places enormous pressure on us to get over loss. But how long do you grieve for your mother of 40 or more years? The answer is simple: you grieve for as long as you need to.” Elisa wishes to express her appreciation to all of Diana’s caregivers in recent years, especially Julie and Linda, and to the staff of Spectrum Health Hospice, Louise in particular. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.