Blanche Janett Corgiat

February 20, 1928 - December 2, 2022

The long and magnificent life of Blanche Janett Corgiat has come to an end. She spent most of her 94 years nurturing and caring for her children, grandchildren, and all those she encountered with her welcoming home and warm and loving nature.

Blanche was born in Malaga, CA, on February 20,1928 and was the very proud daughter of immigrants, John and Jennie Mugnaini of Lucca, Italy. Blanche attended St. John’s Elementary School and later transferred to San Joaquin Memorial to participate in SJM’s first graduating class. It was there she formed friendships that were lifelong.

In 1948, Blanche married the love of her life, Edwin B. Corgiat. They embarked on a 54-year adventure where they put family and home above all else. They saw Ed through medical school, produced nine children along the way, 25 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and cultivated a life, home, and property rich in kindness and love.

Blanche worked as an x-ray technician in Ed’s medical office early on and later was proud to return to Fresno State, while surviving Guillain-Barre’ and earned her degree in Child Development. She did not pursue a career in that field. She got her degree just because.

As long as we can remember, home was the hub, and food was a passionate production! There were always big pots, amazing aromas, and beautiful displays of the most delicious foods from Blanche’s kitchen. Her kitchen was the gathering place. She was always busy chopping and stirring while others congregated to visit and to soak in the tantalizing environment she created. Along with Ed, Blanche was an avid and accomplished gardener which allowed her large family to indulge daily in farm-to-table dining with the freshest fruits and vegetables. Always, always the best food!

Blanche is preceded in death by her parents, John and Jennie Mugnaini, her sister Ann Blackmer, her husband Edwin B. Corgiat, M.D., daughter Andrea Mugnaini-Smith, and grandsons David Corgiat and Spencer Corgiat.

Blanche is survived by her sons Edwin Jr. and his wife Phyllis of Tennessee, Mark and his wife Cindy of Utah, Nicholas and his wife Lisa of Fresno, Nathan and his wife Angela of Fresno, Armand and Susan Peters of Monterey, and Maurice of Carmel Valley. She is also survived by her daughters Claudia Corgiat of Fresno, Jeanette and her husband Martin Iness of Fresno, and grandchildren Edwin III, Damon, Milo, Megan, Heath, Derrick, Michelle, Blake, Ryan, Francis, Ashley, Marisa, Desalie, MaKayla, Hailey, Blythe, Connor, Caleb, Audra, Kendall, Alex, Katie, Abby, and 24 great-grandchildren.

A special thank you to Dr. Lynch, St. Mary’s Hospice, Juanita Granado, Berenice Martinez, and Jenna Banuelos for the loving care they provided for our mother all the way to the end.

Blanche’s faith and church have always been so important to her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Shrine of St. Therese in Fresno

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Corgiat family.