Rose DeFrancis

Rose was born October 24, 1927, to Carlo and Josephine DeFrancis and was a lifelong resident of Port Arthur. Rose began working at Woolsworth in Downtown Port Arthur at the age of 15 in 1942 after her father died suddenly. After Woolsworth went out of business Rose went to work for Woolco working in personnel and administration. From there she went to work for Walmart until she retired in 2008.

Rose was a member of the American Business Women’s Association and was named Business Woman of the year. She was a charter member of the Italian-American Club. She was also one of the original members of the “Lillies of the Field” prayer group. Even though Rose never married she was active in the lives of her many nieces and nephews who knew her as “Nannie”.

Rose was a Godmother to countless nieces and nephews and was also a Godmother to many friends’ children. She was very generous with her time and money and was always the first to volunteer for who ever needed her.

Rose is preceded in death by her father, Carlo and mother Josephine DeFrancis, aunt, Jennie Bordonaro; brother, Anthony DeFrancis and nephew, David Paulino.

Survivors include sister, Vita Paulino of Port Arthur; brother, Frank DeFrancis of Port Arthur; nephews, James Paulino of Port Neches, Carlo Paulino of Port Arthur; niece, Donna Kountz of Lumberton; nephews, Michael DeFrancis of Friendswood, Gary DeFrancis of Port Arthur, John DeFrancis of Bridge City, Christopher DeFrancis of Deer Park; nieces, Carol Gallegas of Bridge City, Janice DeFrancis of Port Arthur and Katherine Copeland of Henderson; nephew, Carlo Frank of Port Arthur and niece, Amanda DeFrancis of Port Arthur. Also 24 grandnieces and nephews and 17 great grand nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express our thanks and appreciation to the staff of Cypress Glen and the staff of Promise Hospital.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a rosary to be recited at 6 p.m., at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 10 a.m., at St. James Catholic Church with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered at: www.grammier-oberle.com.