Frances Caruso

October 6, 1929 - April 21, 2021

Francesca Di Giorgio (Frances De George Caruso), age 91, of Daphne Alabama, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday April 21st, 2021 with her family by her side and Kindred Hospice of Baldwin County. Frances was born in Collecorvino, Italy on October 6th, 1929 to parents Phillip DeGeorge and Maria Donata (Merlini) DeGeorge. She came to the United States on June 3rd, 1946 at 17 years old, and resided in Chardon, Ohio. She became a citizen of the United States on May 23rd, 1952. Frances was married on June 7th, 1952 to Peter Vincent Caruso at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chardon, Ohio and spent her early years of marriage as a homemaker and a mother of 3. She began her working career at a local greenhouse in Ashtabula where she spent many hours cooking meals in the kitchen for the employees. She also worked with the True Temper Corporation in Ashtabula until it closed, and was a cafeteria cook for St. Joseph School. Frances spent many years in service to St. Joseph Mission supporting the mission church. She would cook homemade bread, pizza, pasta and beans, and much more. She was a devoted Catholic and enjoyed her church family. She loved all of her grandchildren and was blessed to be such a positive influence in their lives. Frances had a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews and extended family; especially Candy, Annette, Marissa, Vince, Phillip and Theresa who spent many years loving and caring for her. Frances was always ready to serve her family and the church. She loved to cook and fed many people. The memories of her wonderful cooking and baking will be a sweet reminder when passing an Italian restaurant or seeing advertising for some delicious dessert. When she was in the kitchen, move over because there was only room for one cook…and it was her! This is said with laughter and years of stories, especially those times shared with her brother Guy. Frances had an amazing ability to create a pattern and sew it or look at a particular blanket or rug she liked and would crochet it beautifully without any instructions. Her talents were a true gift from God. She learned the native language of English and she taught herself how to read and write. Those that met her (even up to her final days) always commented on her gorgeous accent. Frances was dedicated to her Catholic faith and served the St. Joseph Church (Mission) in Ashtabula for close to 60 years. On Monday, April 19th, 2021 Frances received end-of-life blessing and anointing by Father Gabriel of Christ the King Catholic Church in Daphne, Alabama at her daughter’s home. We know she is now resting in the loving arms of Jesus in her everlasting eternal home. No more pain, no more confusion, but resting in completeness. Frances is survived by her loving children; Frank (Jean) Caruso of South Carolina, Mary Ann (Robert) West of Daphne Alabama, and Estella (the late Tim) Caruso of Cebu Philippines. She is also survived by her loving Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren; Wendy Caruso, Joseph Kotnik, Randy (Marlana) Caruso, Nicholas (Ashley) West, Michael Caruso, Zachary Caruso, Ashley Mason, Ally Mason, Matthew Mason, Mackenzie Kotnik, Joseph Kotnik, Remington Kotnik, Vincent Caruso, Giada Caruso, and Landyn West. Also, another beautiful Great Great Granddaughter is expected in June 2021. Frances is preceded in death by her loving husband Peter Vincent Caruso (2002), her son Timothy Caruso (2020) and her siblings; Anthony DeGeorge, Lodi DeGeorge, Guy DeGeorge, and her baby sister Pacina DeGeorge. A visitation will take place Wednesday, May 5th, 2021 at St. Joseph Church at 10:00am with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00am, 3312 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio. A Christian Burial will immediately follow mass at St. Joseph Cemetery in Ashtabula, Ohio. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kindred Hospice and Brightstar Care of Daphne, Alabama for their kindness and dedication to caring for Frances. Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services assisted the family with funeral arrangements, 1500 Harpersfield Rd., Geneva, OH. 44041. 440-361-2273, www.lakeeriecremationandfuneralservices.com