Frances "Francesca" Passas 92 years young was born in Mezzojuso, A quiet town in the province of Sicily.

Father: Girolamo Merendino

Mother: Vincenza Meli

Eight brothers and sisters in total

Our mother Frances was beautiful inside and out. She was a devoted mother, wife and grandmother She had a fiery spirit and was very passionate. She had two children Nick and Marousa, and one grandchild, Joseph.

She loved her brothers and sisters and all of their children.

Her grandson, Joseph has her feisty spirit, intellect, and tenacity. Joseph no doubt has embraced his grandmother and many of her qualities

Mom often hosted large gatherings in her home and made sure to cook all of the traditional favorites. Many recipes we still prepare today.

Mom was nurturing supportive and cultivated strong family bonds. She made sure we always engaged in family traditions and loyalty.

Mom came to America and started her career in a factory. She was tenacious and did not tolerate being underpaid or mistreated by management. She often stood up for those who could not stand up for themselves. She remained true to her values, her entire life.

There were many skills mom had, and she certainly was not afraid to reinvent herself as needed to pay bills and make sure her children had everything they needed. Her work ethics lives on in her children and grandson. Nick and I have always worked hard and always want to make her proud. Joseph is an exceptional student and already exudes the same confidence mom had.

Mom was loving but she expected us to work hard and live good lives. Respectable lives as she did.

Although she was always there if we needed her, she was not going to give us a handout or sugar coat anything. She was tough but she was honest. We always knew that mom was exceptional at everything she did, and we knew that she seldom treated herself to anything.

She absolutely lived her life for her children and grandson, and we are so blessed to have been nurtured by such an exceptional woman.

Thank you for the gift of self-respect, tenacity, and perseverance. You will always be in our Hearts.

Until we meet again.

Nick and Marousa and Joseph