Shrewsbury – Frances M. (Marta) “Fran” DeGabriele, 91, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, died peacefully June 30, 2018 in the company of her loving family.
Frances was born and raised in Negaunee, Mich., daughter of the late Antonio and Maria (Massoglia) Marta. She married the love of her life, Vernon F. DeGabriele, on Oct. 2, 1947 after he returned back from proudly serving the country in World War II. They moved to Shrewsbury in the late 1940s and began their family life in their “forever” home on Harriet Avenue.
Fran was a wonderful mother, always focusing on her family. Another significant part of Fran’s life was her love of God and her active involvement at Saint Mary’s Parish where she served as a “Greeter,” a founding member of the St. Mary’s Parents Association, a volunteer at the school where she was known as “the reading lady,” where she specialized in reading support for students needing her tender extra help. Fran remained a faithful member of the Daughters of Isabella and lived out her Christian faith with love and respect for all people. Her smile was her hallmark.
Fran’s beloved husband of 56 years, Vernon, died in 2003. She leaves her loving family, Carol J. DeGabriele-Burke of Sutton, Denise M. DeGabriele-Lindberg and her husband Rusty of Holden, Steven A. DeGabriele and his wife Debbie of South Weymouth, and Dennis M. DeGabriele and his wife Rose of Falmouth, and is also survived by eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, Fran was predeceased by two sisters, Olga Atwell and Laura Rose.
Fran’s family wishes to thank the Notre Dame community for the loving care that was given to Fran during her residence there.
An hour of visitation will be Tuesday, July 3, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St. Shrewsbury, followed by a funeral Mass celebrating her life at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. She will be buried next to her loving husband, Vernon, at Mountain View Cemetery of Shrewsbury.
Fran celebrated her faith and her love of God as a daily communicant of St. Mary’s Parish, her family suggests that in lieu of flowers, Fran’s life and memory may be honored with donations to Saint Mary’s Church, 20 Summer St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
