Frances Gabriele Santilli, age 99, of Shelton entered into rest on Friday. She was the devoted wife of the late Guido Santilli. Frances was born in Naugatuck on August 27, 1924, daughter of the late Luis and Josephine (Villa) Gabriele.
She worked for Uniroyal for many years until her retirement. Frances was a phenomenal cook and baker. Christmas will never be the same without her homemade pasta, meatballs, and delicious desserts. She loved her home and took care of it along with three rental properties. Frances took pride in flower planting every spring. Always beautiful! She opened her house to many family members in transition and they appreciated that kindness. Frances was also creative and loved to sew. She sewed her own dresses, curtains and even Barbie doll clothes! She loved her friends and would go out for lunch every Wednesday and kept in touch often. Frances outlived many of them, but still kept in touch with those still with us.
Frances loved her two children Robert (Toni Earnshaw) Santilli and Joanne (James) Kaklamanos. She was proud of them and their accomplishments. Frances loved her grandchildren Alex, Andrew and Avery. They were her pride and joy. She lovingly cared for them during their childhoods and always said that those were her happiest days. She loved her extended family, and will now see her brothers, Daniel and Anthony Gabriele and sister Elvira Loffreda in heaven. Most of all, she said she is looking forward to seeing her husband Guido who was her love and her rock for the time he was on earth.
Frances will be missed by all who loved her and whom she loved. She lived a wonderful and full life.
Her services are private.
The family requests that memorial contributions may be made to The American Red Cross, www.redcross.org.
The Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Rd., Shelton has been entrusted with her arrangements.
