Almaden Resident

Columns

Nancy Biagini brought magic to everything she touched

By Moryt Milo

It was almost eight years ago when I walked into Casa Casa and met Nancy Biagini. I was there to write a story about the Lincoln Avenue store, but I walked out with so much more than notes for a feature article.

It was one of those rare times in life when I knew I had met someone special. Nancy was that person. Her smile was like a big hug. She made you feel instantly comfortable. Her personality had that unique blend of down-to-earthiness and simple elegance.

Casa Casa could have been the living room of her home; it was that welcoming.

There was no other shop quite like it, and I wasn't alone in sensing this refuge on Lincoln Avenue. It was a common sight to find small groups of customers clustered throughout the store, laughing and catching up. It was obvious that Casa Casa's draw was more than just a shop with tasteful merchandise; it was infused with Nancy's unexplainable magic.

Some months later, the underlying issue in downtown Willow Glen was the rift between merchants and the then-Willow Glen Business and Professional Association, which was mired in controversy. The association was struggling with management problems and in-fighting. I remember visiting Nancy and discussing the issues that almost brought an end to the business association. As always, she was candid but tactful, and added an element of class to an otherwise unclassy situation. Take the high road is what comes to mind as I look back. I recall her saying, "It will eventually work out."

Months later we were wandering about in a shop storage area when I thanked her for talking to me about those problems that had since been resolved.

Suddenly she said, "I've been following your career and am excited for you." I had just become editor of Willow Glen Resident.

By then I had come to know that this was an absolute Nancy comment, watching over everyone, even those outside her immediate family.

Nancy was someone you could call anytime about anything and she would make the time to talk. I could never figure out how she did this. Any time I was in the store she was perpetually busy.

She was also one of those people who made you feel like you were the only one that mattered when she was with you. I would love to have learned that secret.

What I did learn at her memorial service was how this special lady touched so many. The church was overflowing with hundreds who came to say goodbye. The list included city dignitaries past and present, friends and neighbors and probably every single person who ever shopped at Casa Casa. It was apparent that her knack for making others feel special and cared for had an endless reach.

As I looked around at the somber and tear-streaked faces, I could sense Nancy's spirit in the church. The air had that simple elegance Nancy was famous for. Even in her passing she had found a way to make everyone feel welcome, to let everyone know they mattered and it was OK.

One former Casa Casa customer told me years ago, when I wrote the first story, "I can't remember what it was like without Casa Casa."

I doubt any of us ever will, or the special lady who opened the store.

Moryt Milo is the editor of the Almaden Resident. She can be reached at 408.200.1051 or via e-mail at mmilo@community-newspapers.com.