Frances Lucille Candelari

Our beloved mother, Frances Lucille Candelari, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at the age of 97, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 20, 1928, in Houston, Texas, Frances lived a long and full life centered on love, faith, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Vita and Joe Ragusa, and her devoted husband of 61 years, Elmo Candelari. Married on October 13, 1946, they built a beautiful life together grounded in love, hard work, and shared values.

She is survived by her daughter, Kay Martin and husband Jerry; her son, Jerome Candelari and wife Lory; her cherished grandchildren, Jeff Martin, Scott Martin and wife Stephanie, Kiley Nash, Christopher Candelari and wife Abby, and Nicholas Candelari and wife Megan; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Jey Martin, Luke Nash, Cole Nash, Claire Candelari, and Benjamin Candelari. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Together, Frances and Elmo built a successful grocery business in East Houston through years of dedication and perseverance. Along the way, they formed lasting friendships with customers and employees alike. Frances was known for her generous heart and quiet acts of kindness, often helping neighbors, loved ones, and customers in times of need by ensuring food was on their tables.

After retiring in the late 1980s, Frances and Elmo enjoyed traveling and were fortunate to visit many places on their bucket list, including Italy, the homeland of their parents. One of her most meaningful experiences was visiting Bisacquino, Sicily, where she met relatives for the first time and saw the church where her parents were married.

Frances found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved visiting the casinos and trying her luck at the slot machines, but nothing brought her greater happiness than her family. They were the center of her world, and she gave them her heart completely. She especially loved cooking and baking for holidays, spending countless hours preparing favorite dishes that brought everyone together.

She was a devoted Catholic and enjoyed following sports, especially cheering on the Houston Astros and the Houston Oilers. In high school at Jeff Davis, Frances was voted “Most Beautiful Coed,” but her true beauty shone from within through her kindness, humility, and deep love for others. She had a passion for good food—especially Italian cuisine—and also enjoyed Mexican food and margaritas. She and Elmo were longtime regulars at Ninfa’s, where they shared many happy memories.

Frances will be remembered above all as a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was a beautiful example of unconditional love, generosity, and devotion to family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Catholic Charities.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Earthman’s Funeral Home, 8303 Katy Freeway, with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail. Interment will follow at Forest Park Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Candelari, Nicholas Candelari, Steve Candelari, Jeffrey Martin, Jey Martin and Scott Martin