Anna (DiFranco) Evangelista, 91, a longtime resident of Natick, passed away on May 5, 2012. She was the beloved wife of the late Alfred S. Evangelista who passed away in 2011 and with whom she shared 61 years of marriage.
Born in Framingham, daughter of the late Gennaro and Angelina (Salerno) DiFranco, Anna was raised and educated in Framingham. For many years she was employed as a stitcher prior to beginning her career in food service. After marrying her husband in 1950, Anna and Alfred together owned and operated Freddie’s Pizza in Natick. Known for her kind and gentle spirit, Anna also had a special relationship with the Dominican Fathers in South Natick where she cared for their needs for many years. True to her Italian heritage; Anna was an amazing cook and nothing brought her more joy than serving a homemade meal to her friends and family. Anna was also a lover of all animals and rescued numerous stray and abandoned pets throughout the years. Surrounded by her many friends, Anna shared countless games of cards and bingo. Anna will always be remembered for having a smile that could light up a room and also as a calming force for people in their time of need.
Anna is survived by her beloved daughters, Paulette Napoli of Waltham and Jacqueline Pontremoli and her husband John of Natick. She was the cherished “Nini” of her grandchildren Jessica Fitzpatrick and her husband Richard of Natick and Julie Pontremoli of Natick. Anna was the dear aunt of Jean Sobolewski of Worcester, MA, Jackie Neilson of Standish, Maine, Mary Stucchi of Framingham, MA and Marie Conti of Framingham, MA. The youngest of six children, Anna was predeceased by her siblings Joseph, James, Edward, Gennaro Jr, and Mary (DiFranco) Palmieri.
In accordance with Anna’s wishes, funeral services were private. Those wishing to remember her may do so through memorial donations to the Staff Fund at the Mary Ann Morse Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 45 Union St. Natick, MA 01760 where she received wonderful care in the later years of her life. To leave online messages of condolence or remembrances for Anna’s family please visit www.everettfuneral.com