Frances Marie Piazza

Frances Marie Piazza, beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and friend entered Heaven’s gates on February 7, 2018. All of those who’ve had the good fortune to have known Frances would agree the world has lost a wonderful woman.

Frances was born in Independence, Louisiana on December 19, 1920, over 97 years ago to the late Joseph Lalumia and his wife Rose Barcia Lalumia, a family who immigrated to the United States from Italy in the late 1800’s.

Frances was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tony Raymond Piazza, on September 18, 2009. Frances became engaged to Tony in their hometown of Independence, Louisiana after meeting at a local religious feast. They were married in April 1945 in Chicago when Tony came back to the States on a World War II military leave from the Army.

Shortly after the wedding, they traveled to San Antonio, Texas where Tony was supposed to ship out again. The day before his scheduled departure date, Germany surrendered, and Tony was discharged from the service.

Frances and Tony settled in Dallas, Texas where Tony was in the grocery business, and Frances worked as a beauty shop owner and operator. They had two children—a son, Anthony, and a daughter, JoNell. They’ve belonged to St. Bernards Catholic Church where they sent their two children to school and then onto Bishop Lynch High School.

They watched Anthony and JoNell both successfully complete college and enter the business world in the 1970’s. Anthony married his wife Theresa in 1972 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. JoNell married her spouse Jim in 1976, also at St. Bernards.

Frances and Tony were blessed with two handsome grandsons, Anthony Jr. (now 38) and Michael (now 32) who became the center of their world. They tirelessly devoted their time and energy to their children and grandchildren, and there was nothing they wouldn’t do for them.

Frances and Tony helped both children as they moved into their first homes, planting bushes and grass and giving excellent advice. Grandpa Tony and Grandma Frances drove every day to pick up the grandsons after school at St. Pius. They always made sure there were plenty of delicious snacks to hold the boys over until dinner (like any good Italian grandparents would!) She went on many field trips and outings with her grandsons. Frances always played a large part in their lives.

Frances’ family was her joy and her life. Her happiest times were when she could be with all of them. Frances adored her loving husband Tony and never left his side for 64 years. He was the love of her life. She was blessed with a large family as she had three brothers and six sisters. There are so many who loved this wonderful woman.

Frances is survived by her two children, Anthony Piazza, JoNell Kelley, her daughter-in-law, Theresa, her son-in-law, Jim, her two grandsons, Anthony Piazza Jr & spouse Jennifer, Michael Piazza & spouse, Kendra and her sister, Rose Barraco, and brother, Henry Lalumia. She also leaves behind many loving relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband Tony, she was preceded in death by five sisters (Mary, Lena, Josephine, Mamie and Ginny) and two brothers (Frank and Salvatore).

Frances loved gardening and probably had the greenest thumb in the city. Her yard was always full of the most beautiful flowers every spring. She also enjoyed socializing and playing bingo with friends. She had a warm and welcoming smile and was a friend to everyone. Frances was extremely kind and generous and would give anyone the shirt off her back. She was also an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family. Both her daughter JoNell, and daughter-in-law Theresa made sure to make copies of her many “special” recipes years ago.

Frances’ loving nature, kindness and attitude towards life are a model for others to follow. The world has lost a wonderful woman. We know she is now with her beloved husband Tony in Heaven. She will be greatly missed in our lives, but now has been welcomed into God’s loving arms.