Frances Anne Penza, 89, a lifelong resident of Walpole, passed away on September 10th. She was a daughter of the late Gaetana and Antonio Penza. She was also the sister of Irene Persechino, and Charles, James, Paul, John and Carmen (Mellie) Penza and Mary E. Mazzarelli (all of Walpole). She retired from Bird and Son, Corporation in 1976.
Frances was the beloved aunt of Jane Riley of Walpole, Dr. James F. Penza Jr. or Hingham, Kenneth E. Penza of E. Walpole, Nancy Ann Penza of Norwell, Gail Hulse of S. Dennis, Terri Mills of Concord, and Joan LeVangie of Boston. She is additionally survived by many grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as these great grandnieces and great grandnephews : Robin Antonia Penza, Eloisa Mary Frances Purcell, Eli and Ana Maria Penza-Clyve, Jesse and Kaela Riley, Michael Plaut, Mellisa and Matthew Buckley, Angela Rademaker and TJ Tavares.
An avid Red Sox fan, both before and after her retirement, she devoted much of her attention to her nieces and nephews and their children. Also a Patriots fan, she was known for her football-field-sized chocolate fudge cakes, which she generously shared with her many friends and family.
A woman of devout faith, she will be dearly missed by those who frequently sought her advice. Over the years Frances reached out in a loving manner and enjoyed many lifelong friendships. As a mentor, she often offered kind, comforting words of wisdom. The family remains extremely grateful to Aunt Frances and now reflects upon her lasting memory as a gift to all.
Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 17 in Blessed Sacrament Church at 10:00 a.m.. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery in South Walpole.
Visitation will be on Saturday from 8:30-9:45 a.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home 892 Main St. in Walpole.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to Labels Are for Jars, 118 S. Broadway St., Lawrence, MA 01843. (labelsareforjars.org)