Frances Colantuoni

Frances A. Colantuoni, age 92, a longtime Stoneham resident, died Sunday, September 6 at her residence surrounded by her family.

Born in Boston on October 23, 1927 she was the daughter of the late Victor and Mary Olivitz.

Frances was raised and educated in South Boston and was a graduate of South Boston High School, Class of 1944. Following high school, she began her career in the theater by meeting her husband, the late Jerry R. Colantuoni, while they were both ushering at Boston's Colonial Theater. They married in 1947 and began their family in Everett before moving to Stoneham in 1964, settling in a house that Jerry had built. Frances' career as a wardrobe attendant in the theater spanned decades; dedicated to her craft she finally retired at the age of 85. Her favorite activity was her yearly birthday trip to New York City to see the musicals on Broadway. Frances loved three things in life: her husband, her family, and her job.

A creative mind, she was involved in all sorts of things. Frances loved swimming and tennis. She took classes in floral arranging and cake decorating. Her birthday cakes could compete with that of well-established bakeries. Her kitchen was the hub of her home, she was a great cook and a better baker. Her door was always open, and a hot pot of coffee was at the ready to greet any visitors. She was the ultimate host, always sending guests home having been well fed. Ever the entertainer, she will be missed dearly.

She was the beloved wife of the late Jerry R. Colantuoni. She was the loving mother of Carol F. Colantuoni of Stoneham, Joan DeBenedictis and her husband Bob of Gloucester, and Jay R. Colantuoni and his wife Laura of Stoneham. She was the cherished grandmother of Jesse DeBenedictis and his wife Emily, Corey DeBenedictis and his wife Gabriela, and Ashley Colantuoni. She was the great grandmother of Noah, Lucca, Mariana and Mario DeBenedictis. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Lorraine Colantuoni and Alice Olevitz; her former daughter-in-law, Paula O'Brien; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by five siblings.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham on Thursday at 10am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment, Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham. Arrangements by McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home, Stoneham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Care VNA Hospice, 210 Market St, Lynn, MA 01901.

September 10, 2020
10:00 AM

St. Patrick Church
71 Central St.
Stoneham, MA 02180