Francesca (Raspa) Fagiani, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 14, 2010 at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence in Lewiston, NY. Francesca was born in Villafonsina, Chieti, Italy, and was the daughter of the late Paolo and Sabbia (Bozzelli) Raspa. On August 7, 1933 she married Omo G. Fagiani in Villafonsina, Chieti, Italy. They were married thirty six years when Mr. Fagiani predeceased her on October 22, 1969.

Francesca immigrated to America in 1958 with her seven children to join her husband and two older children who had settled in Niagara Falls two years earlier. She often told of her trip across the ocean to this country as a young woman traveling alone with seven children. Once settled here, the family resided on Spring Street in Niagara Falls. Following her husband's death, Francesca worked various jobs in the Niagara Falls area including the Jenss Coffee Shop, Niagara University, Niagara Geriatrics and Niagara Savings Bank.

Francesca was a devoted wife and mother. She took great pride in being a homemaker, and was known for her wonderful cooking and baking for her large family and friends. She made all around her laugh, always singing her Italian songs and dancing. Francesca loved to crochet and made all of her family beautiful afghans whenever she was able. She also took great pleasure in tending to her vegetable garden. Most of all, Francesca was the proud matriarch of her family that extended five generations.

Mrs. Fagiani is survived by her children, Anna (late Benjamin) Riggi of Niagara Falls, NY; Fred (Valerie) Fagiani; Maria (Julio) Fragosa both of California; Louis Fagiani Sr., Joseph (Carolyn) Fagiani both of Niagara Falls, NY; Bianca (George) Lawrence of Rochester, NY; Gorizia (John) Infantino of Las Vegas, NV and Robert (Dana) Fagiani of North Tonawanda, NY, and was predecease by her son Paul (Sue of Town of Niagara, NY) Fagiani. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Lucy (Arcangelo) Casale, Francesca (Anthony) Gabriele, Elizabeth (Joseph) Casale, Sandra (Carl) Gioannini, Anita (Randy) Sharp, Elizabeth (Michael) Eagan, Julia (Todd) Press, Gabriel (Teresa) Fagiani, Paolo (Paula) Fagiani, Dennis (Liz) Fagiani, Mark Goodwin, Roberta Nasca, Tina (Scott) Sizemore, Frances (Robert) Edwards, Roseanna (Paul) Santos, Louis Fagiani Jr., Joseph (Rachel) Fagiani Jr., Tracy Lemmon, Anthony (Samantha) Fagiani, George Lawrence Jr. Francine (Todd) Colls, Gina DeLucia, Kelli Ann (Mark) Kristo, Christina Infantino, Christopher (Kate) Fagiani and Andrea (Jonathan) Gentile, fifty two great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, one nephew Nicholas (Beth) Fagiani and one great-niece. She was also predeceased by her good friend and companion Joseph Ferri.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Saturday April 17th at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish at St. Leo's Church, 2748 Military Rd. Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Robert Hughson officiating. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. If desired memorial offerings may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Western New York 2805 Wehrle Drive STE. 6 Williamsville, NY 14221.