Fernande “Nona” Claudette Micheline Bitsos
February 25, 1930 – July 11, 2023
Nona was preceded in death by her husband, Tony Bitsos (divorced 1971); parents, Danielle Hernandez Rodriguez and Micheline Claude Rodriguez; sister, Caren Rodriguez, at age 13. She is survived by her sister, Arlette di Natale in Morang-sur-Orge, France and her three nieces: Claudette Harney (Claude), Corrine di Natale (divorced) and her twin, Danielle di Natale (Single) and many grandnieces & grandnephews all living in France. Nona is also survived by her nephew through marriage, Paul Bitsos of Omaha, NE, who was also her power of attorney.
After her divorce, Nona joined the Peace Corps and served 2 years in Africa. She could speak several languages including French, Spanish, Arabic and English. She worked most of her life in retail sales and in her later years she worked for Gateway Computers in their International Marketing Department. She was very sad when the company folded.
Nona moved back to Yankton, SD in 1998, where she had lived with her husband from the middle 1950s to 1971 when she and Tony divorced. Nona lived in Yankton until her health forced her to move to Via Christe in Omaha, NE in 2021. She lived in their Memory Care unit until her passing.
Visitation: Monday, July 17, 2023, from 5:00pm to 6:00 p.m., with Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m. and refreshments and coffee following, all at the West Center Chapel.
3 Comments
I have fond memories of Nona. She was a good friend to my Grandma Laura Goeden, Nona had the gift of gab!! She stayed with my siblings and me when we were young. She taught us how to make real french fries, went bike riding with us, and took us swimming at the lake. She played cards with my Grandpa Igs and was always talking!!! Have thought about her often, wondering where she was. Now I know. RIP Nona!! Hugs to those she was close to.
Nona was a friend to my Grandma Laura Goeden in Yankton. She took care of my sister, brother & me while our parents went on vacation. She will always hold a special place in my heart! So sorry to hear of her passing. She was a very kind lady.
Fernande “Nona” Bitsos was kind and generous. She would often drop by our home with snickerdoodle cookies for us to enjoy. My wife Carol once remarked to her how sweet she was to do that, and Nona scoffed, “I’m not sweet!” She was sweet, and she was a wonderfully talented, intelligent, kind, stylish and industrious person. Carol and I feel fortunate to have been able to know her and be her friend.
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