Frances Tarantino

Francesca “Frances” Tarantino, 94, died peacefully with her loving family and friends close by on November 3, 2016. Even though she saw difficult times growing up, she had a great life and was one of the most selfless, generous and genuine people you could know.

Francesca Busalacchi was born and raised in the small village of Sant’Elia, Sicily. She immigrated to America in 1949 joining her family in San Diego. Frances married Giuseppe Tarantino, also from Sant’Elia, in 1955. A longtime homemaker and resident of Mission Hills, Frances was a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Church. She was a member of Maria SS Addolorata Society, The Rosary Guild and the Societa’di Santo Rosario.

A friend to everyone, Frances was a devout Catholic, was respectful to everyone, and spent her life dedicating herself to her family and home. She made many traditional Italian dishes and loved to bake bread and cookies that she generously gave to all. She was a gifted seamstress making most of her own clothing and crocheting beautifully designed doilies, pillowcases and table cloths. She loved her family and treated all of her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. She adored and

deeply loved her two sons and her grandchildren. She loved to garden and appreciated all of God’s gifts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Michele and Giovanna Busalacchi; husband of 41 years, Giuseppe; sister Josephine Corrao; and brothers Vito and Pete Busalacchi. She is survived by her sons, Anthony and Vito Tarantino; grandchildren Nicole, Austin and Breionna; brother John Busalacchi; and sister Rosalia DeMaria.

Frances is being cared for by Merkley Mitchell Mortuary. Chapel viewing is scheduled for Monday, November 14, 2016, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Rosary begins at 6 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady Rosary Church on Tuesday, November 15 at 9:30 with internment at Holy Cross Cemetery. A reception for the family will follow at the church.