Frances Anna Barraco

Franceanna Barraco transitioned peacefully on Wednesday, November 19th. She was born in Dallas, Texas, to Rose A. Lalumia and Joe Anthony Barraco Sr. and grew up alongside her three brothers, Jimmy Barraco, Joseph Barraco Jr., and Tony Barraco. Franceanna attended St. Thomas Aquinas before continuing her education at Hillcrest High School.

Franceanna was raised around her parents’ grocery stores, Barraco’s Food Store, and later their Italian restaurant, Prego Pasta House. For a time, she went on to open her own Italian restaurant, Franchazi’s, in East Texas.

A true free spirit, Franceanna was unconventional, creative, and unapologetically herself. She loved to paint and create, and she found joy in spending time with friends and family. She was a collector, an artist at heart, and someone who lived life on her own terms. She loved fiercely and without condition and had a natural way of making people feel welcome, never treating anyone like a stranger. Protective, generous, and deeply compassionate, Franceanna gave freely of her time, her energy, and whatever she had. Her strength was remarkable; she always met life with resilience and perseverance. Her compassion extended deeply into the animal world. Throughout her life, Franceanna loved and cared for many animals.

Franceanna is survived by her three children, Stephen Cress, Virginia Brooks, and Charles Brooks Jr., and her four beloved grandchildren, Virginia Rose, Gabrielle, Eloise, and Gracie, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She was taken from us too soon after a courageous battle with cancer. Though her time here was far shorter than it should have been, the legacy she leaves, one of strength, creativity, and love, will live on through the many lives she touched.

A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 9th at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, followed by a private burial the next day.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the SPCA, in honor of Franceanna’s lifelong love of animals.