On Easter morning, April 9, and after a long battle with cancer, June Bianchini (maiden name: McNabb) passed away peacefully at home with her husband by her side. June was born in Climax, Saskatchewan and moved to Swift Current where she finished her high school. She completed her RN training in Regina at the Grey Nun’s Hospital and immediately started her career at the Kamloops Royal Inland Hospital Neuro Unit. In 1979 she relocated to Kelowna General Hospital and nursed on a few wards, including recovery and eventually moved to the KGH chemotherapy unit. In 1998 Kelowna’s new Cancer Center of the Southern Interior opened and June moved into the new center as head nurse, later switching to radiation where she remained throughout her career and was instrumental in starting the revolutionary brachytherapy program. She retired from the job she loved so much after more then 25 years of helping Cancer patients, in October 2014. June was a true nurse, in all aspects, as she cared for her patients as much as she did about all of her colleagues. Anyone who knew her, worked with her or even met her can attest to the love she so freely shared to all she came in contact with.

In September of 2021, June was diagnosed with cancer and the weeks, months and years ahead were not easy. However, her never failing smile was always with her when she returned to the place and people she loved at the cancer center; even if it meant that this time she was on the other side of the fence. Her treatments were made just a little bit easier because of all the love that she received from everyone at the center. Special Thank You to June’s family doctor, Dr. Kolkind and to her oncologists, Dr. Rao and Dr. Petrik. As well a special Thank You to all the support staff who cared for and visited with her while she was at the center.

She will be greatly missed by her family, many close friends who she also called family and by everyone else whose heart she touched.