Antonietta C. (Ferrara) Colace, 98, of Franklin, passed away peacefully at Maples Rehabilitation Center in Wrentham on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025. Antonietta was the beloved wife of the late Luigi Colace, with whom she shared more than 50 years of marriage.
Antonietta was born on August 25th, 1926, in the village of Santa Maria Del Molise, Italy. She was the daughter of the late Carmina and Giovanni Ferrara. Antonietta was the loving mother of Alba (Colace) Arcaro of Montreal and the late Olinto “Willie” Colace of Franklin.
She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Adele and her husband Joe, Lidia and her partner Carlo, Michael and his wife Julia, Marco and his wife Nadia, Karen and her partner Brandon and Matthew and his wife Julie. She also leaves behind eight great grandchildren, Adamo, Massimo, Adriano, Alessio, Victoria, Michael, Mia and Rocco. Antonietta also leaves behind her many cherished nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her sister Maria (Ferrara) Taddeo and her husband Marioangelo of Montreal, her brother-in-law Edward Colace and sister-in-law Cristina (Colace) Ferrara, both of Franklin.
Antonietta and her husband packed up their family in 1955 and made the voyage across the Atlantic on the Andrea Doria to meet their loved ones in Franklin and help operate the Union Cafe. For nearly 5 decades Antonietta worked tirelessly next to her husband Louie and in-laws Cesina and Olinto, and later her son Willie, to provide customers and friends alike with the finest homemade Italian cuisine. The older generation still reminisces about the delicious food and daily specials that were served at the Union Cafe. Her devotion to her family and business was second to none. When she wasn’t cooking at the restaurant, Antonietta could be found vacationing on Cape Cod with her family at Old Silver Beach. This became a meeting place for her children and grandchildren over the years where many fond memories were made.
“E STATA UNA GRANDE DONNA” Antonietta was a strong-willed woman. Despite facing countless hardships she never hesitated or faltered. She was a remarkable and resilient woman who had no fear and always spoke her mind. She was a force of nature, tough but fair, and never took no for an answer when it came to food. If you had the pleasure of visiting Antionetta for coffee you were greeted with a five- course meal. Surrounded by friends and family Antonietta lived a full and rewarding life and will be dearly missed.
The Colace Family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the staff at Alliance Heath at Maples in Wrentham for the wonderful care they gave Antonietta.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral on Monday, February 10th, at 9:00am from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage Street, followed by a funeral mass at St Mary’s Church, Franklin at 10:00 am.
Burial will follow at the parish cemetery.
Calling hours are Sunday, February 9th from 1-4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Franklin Food Pantry at [email protected].
Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com