Francisca Lazaro

Francisca (Dela Rama) Lazaro, age 80, of Somerset, passed away Friday, May 8, 2015 surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the loyal wife of Marcelo R. Lazaro to whom she has been married for the past 56 years.

Born in Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines, daughter of the late Jose and Simeona (Gregorio) Dela Rama, she and her husband immigrated to the United States in 1963.

A talented seamstress, she worked in the textile industry for many years, sometimes working on designer-label women’s clothes. She and her husband owned the former Manila Jade Grill restaurant in Fall River. While at home, she had a passion for cooking and always kept everyone's appetite satisfied.

A communicant of St. Patrick’s Church, she was also a member of the Filipino-American Association of Newport County. Mrs. Lazaro had a “green thumb” and enjoyed gardening and ballroom dancing in her spare time. But most of all, she was dedicated to spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren for which she was a major influence. Her home was always the central gathering place for friends and family, with her behind the stove.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by four children and 10 grandchildren: Clair Kershaw and her husband James of Somerset and their two boys Chad and Matthew; Emmanuel Lazaro and his wife Elizabeth of Wellesley and their four children Andrew, William, Lauren and Gabrielle; Elroy Lazaro and his wife Kerry of Somerset and their two girls Kelsie and Megan; Edgar Lazaro and his wife Jennifer of Somerset and their two boys Ethan and Noah. She has five siblings in the Philippines, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to warmly thank Dr. Thomas Abrams and the staff at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for their exemplary and compassionate care.

Her Funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 9:00AM from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at ROSE E. SULLIVAN, 866 County St., Somerset, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00AM in St. Patrick’s Church, 306 South St., Somerset. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00PM. In lieu of flowers contributions in her honor may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02115.