Frances Rosemary Barrera

She was the beloved wife of the late Carlo who predeceased her in 2008. They are now dancing and eating lasagna together in heaven.

Frances was also the loving mother Diane, Rick, Donald and Gary.

Dear "Nuna" of 6 grandchildren: Lisa, Anna, Catherine, Olivia Nick and Alec. As well as 2 great-grandchildren: Natalie and Logan.

And her story as written by Patricia Poirier:

Francis was born and raised in Detroit in the cork town area near tiger stadium. Her parents were from Malta and immigrated here in 1920 so her dad could work in the foundry in Detroit. They had four children; Francis, Rose, John and Chuck. Francis went to St. Vincent grade school and high school then went to beauty school. After years of working in beauty shops, she decided to open her own shop. Francis was able to support herself and the rest of her family as her father took ill at an early age. Francis and Carlo married in 1946 and had four children Diane, Rick Don and Gary---they raised their children in the Livonia area Francis stayed at home to raise the kids until Gary, the youngest was in school. In 1969 and for the next 10 years, Carlo and Francis opened and operated a bar in the west end of Detroit.

Francis took pride and joy in raising her four children and in keeping close ties with her own siblings. Francis wanted to make sure that her children had many opportunities to play and get to know their cousins. Francis and her siblings started to organize family reunions in the summer of 1972 which have continued today with four generations of cousins involved. As her family all knows cooking was a big part of Francis life. Everyone looked forward to eating her lasagna and the many Maltese dishes she prepared.

Francis and Carlo moved out of Livonia and in with Diane in Waterford. Many family parties have taken place here including graduation parties and birthday parties. Francis was so proud of being a grandmother to Lisa and Anna (The children of Rick and Julie) and Catherine, Olivia, Nick and Alec (The children of Don and Eileen) she was also blessed to get to know two great grandchildren Natalie and Logan. We have all been blessed to have Francis as the matriarch of the Mifsud family-we have all learned the importance of family and commitment from the example of Carlo and Francis –their marriage lasted 60 years until the death of Carlo 3 years ago. We have been so blessed to have such a close knit family

There will be a Visitation on Sunday, April 17, 2011 from 2-8pm with a 6pm Rosary at:

The Harry J. Will Funeral Home

37000 Six Mile

Livonia, MI 48152

The Funeral Mass will be on Monday, April 18, 2011 at 11:00am (In-State 10:15am) at:

St. Genevieve Roman Catholic Church

29015 Jamison

Livonia, MI 48154

The Funeral Mass will be led by Fr. Howard Vogan

Frances will be laid to rest with her husband in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, MI following the Funeral Mass and Committal Prayers.

The Committal Prayers will be led by Deacon Kevin Breen of St. Genevieve Church

Memorial Donations may be made in Frances' name to:

The Arthritis Foundation

Michigan Chapter

1050 Wilshire Drive, Suite#302

Troy, MI 48084

(248)649-2891