Francesca DiSimone

It is with great sorrow that the family of Francesca DiSimone announce her passing in hospital on Tuesday January 23, 2018 with family and friends by her side.

Francesca was born on December 16, 1926 in Pianella Pescara, Italy and just celebrated her 91st birthday. Francesca was one of 5 children born to Vincenzo and Adelina Spinozzi. Her family were farmers and she would often help by looking after her younger siblings, cooking and working in the fields. She would eventually meet and marry Gabriele DiSimone. Along with her daughter Anna Maria, Francesca immigrated to Canada in 1960 to meet her husband and son Antonio. Once here, her daughter Sandra was born. Francesca poured all her efforts into building a warm and loving home for her family.

She used the excellent cooking skills she acquired while growing up in Italy. There were always homemade breads, pastas, gnocchi and sweets on hand to share with anyone who came over. Francesca and Gabriele shared their love of gardening. Much of the summer and fall were spent tending to the garden, then canning the fruits of their labour.

Francesca was a longstanding member of St. Anthony’s Church, St. Anthony’s Seniors Club and CWL.

Francesca is survived by her daughter Sandra (Gaetano) Carpino and son Antonio (Mary) DiSimone, grandchildren Isabella and Adam Carpino, Vince (Rosemary) DiSimone, Jennifer DiSimone, Laura Iachetta, Mark Caccamo and Dino (Pina) Caccamo, as well as numerous great grandchildren, niece Rita (Nick) Carnovale and her last living sibling Antonio (Maria) Spinozzi in Italy.

She was predeceased by her husband Gabriele, daughter and son-in-law Anna Maria and Mario Caccamo, grandson-in-law Frank Iachetta and two brothers and a sister in Italy.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 when family and friends will gather in St. Anthony’s R.C. Church for the Funeral Mass beginning at 9:30 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini. The entombment will follow in Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum.

Visitation for friends will be held on Friday, January 26, 2018 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. with the Vigil Service beginning at 8 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the MS Society of Canada or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.