Bianca M. Jacklich

Community Service

Bianca Jacklich was born in Italy and came to the United States in 1913. As a child she learned to speak and read English and later became Valedictorian of her high school graduating class. She went on to graduate from Heald Business College and worked in the business sector until her marriage to Frank Jacklich in 1928. In 1936, Bianca and her husband purchased farm land in Manteca. Bianca was the mother of four children, Joanne Sanchez (deceased), Jane Lewis, Frank Jacklich, Jr. (deceased), and Vicki Camara. In Manteca, Bianca joined and served in the local women’s Auxiliary, visited wounded soldiers at local hospitals and sent letters and gifts to troops overseas. She and her family were recognized by the federal government for supporting the war effort and were awarded the 1943 Certificate of Farm Service by the U. S. Secretary of Agriculture.
Bianca was active in community service her entire adult life. She served in the Women’s Ambulance Defense Corps, The American Cancer Society and, the American Selective Service System. After recovering from a crash, caused by a drunk driver in 1971, where she and her husband were critically injured, Bianca became actively involved with the Manteca Safety Council, serving as president in 1975 and 1976. She remained active in the Safety Council for many years. She was elected to the Veritas Grammar School Board of Trustees serving for 15 years in the 1940s and 1950s. Bianca was a charter member and a life member of the Soroptomist International of Manteca from 1950 to 2012 and had perfect attendance during this period. She was a member of the Escalon Republican Women’s Federated, Italian Catholic Federation, Young Ladies Institute, and an active member, catechism teacher and Mass lector of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. In addition to enjoying her involvement in community service, she enjoyed spending time with her family. Bianca was an excellent cook, an avid reader and gardener. Bianca passed away in December of 2012 at the age of 103.