Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

Article published Dec 12, 2006
Frances C. Giacomini
Jan. 17, 1924 - Dec. 11, 2006

Frances C. Giacomini, 82, passed away in her home on Monday, December 11, 2006, surrounded by her family.

She was born in South Bend, IN, on January 17, 1924, as the daughter of Stephen and Haddie Jerzakowski. She attended South Bend Central High School for three years and graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1942.

Frances is survived by her husband, Guerino, with whom she shared her life for 60 years. Frances and Guerino were married on July 27, 1946. They built a home in Mishawaka and, soon after, a family. Also surviving are two daughters, Susan Mitchell of Albuquerque, NM, and Donna (Wade) Buchanan of Granger, IN; one son, David (Rina) Giacomini of Hilliard, OH; six grandchildren, Colin Mitchell and Katherine Mitchell of Albuquerque, NM, Elizabeth Buchanan and Jessica Buchanan of Granger, IN, and Nathanael and Antony Giacomini of Hilliard, OH; three step-grandchildren, Heather Latscha, and Joshua and Zachary Robson; and one step-great- grandchild, Jordan Latscha. Also surviving are seven sisters, Celina Illes of New York, Beverly Hessler of South Carolina, Shirley Seach of Maryland, Isabelle Bauer, Virginia Cates and Delores Strzelecki, all of South Bend, and Anita West of South Carolina; and a brother, Leo Jerries of Port Charlotte, FL.

In addition to being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Frances held several positions in her life from working as a secretary at the Ball Band to managing the South Bend and Mishawaka Burger Dairy stories until finally retiring from part-time retail work at Hudsons Department Store.

Frances applied the same vigor and energy to everything she did and touched the lives of those who knew her.

Friends may call Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St. in Mishawaka, where wake prayers will be recited at 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday in St. Bavo's Catholic Church, with the Rev. Barry England officiating. Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery at a later date.

Contributions in memory of Frances may be made to Albrights Food Pantry or to Hope Rescue Mission.

To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the Giacomini family, please visit our website www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.