Elsa (Montanari) Francini, 86, of Niagara Falls, NY died on Wednesday July 18, 2012 at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Born in Rimini, Italy she was the daughter of the late Primo and Estella (Raffaelli) Montanari.

Elsa married Peter Francini on May 28, 1948 in the Republic of San Marino before settling in Niagara Falls, NY. Mr. Francini predeceased her on September 17, 1971. Elsa was employed by the Niagara Falls Board of Education as a cook for over thirty years at the former LaSalle Senior High School and Geraldine J. Mann Elementary School, and also worked at John's Motor Inn in downtown Niagara Falls. She was a longtime devoted member of St. Vincent DePaul Parish at Prince of Peace Church in Niagara Falls. Elsa enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. She also loved reading and working in her garden.

Mrs. Francini is survived by two children Lillian B. Catanese of North Tonawanda, NY and Ronald P. Francini (Gail Richey) of Niagara Falls, NY; two grandchildren Lisa Marie (Shaun) Catanese-Fryling and Philip Peter Catanese, two great grandchildren Justice Fryling and DeAndre Fryling, one brother Gino (Rosina) Montanari of Rimini, Italy; two brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Cesare (late Denise) Francini and Virgilio (Iole) Francini, many nieces, nephews and cousins and her dear friends Anna Weatherby, Josephine Costanzo, Trudy Richmond and Len Marmet. She was predeceased by one sister Maria (late Nicola) Bertozzi and one brother Lazaro Montanari.

Visitation will be on Friday from 5 – 9 p.m. at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Saturday July 21st at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Vincent DePaul at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 North Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Robert Stolinski officiating. If desired, donations in Mrs. Francini's memory may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241 or to Family and Childrens Services of Niagara, 826 Chilton Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.