Hilda Frances Franceschi Nunes died April 5, 2018, at the age of 87 from natural causes. A loving soul, much of her joy in life was provided by her relationship with near and extended family and friends, and in recent years, a highly capable and caring cadre of health care professionals. Her Catholic faith guided her life and was a comfort, and her rock, throughout good times and bad.
The daughter of Italian immigrants, Silvio and Josephine "Beppina" Franceschi (née Anesi), she was born at Mother Cabrini Hospital in Chicago on November 24, 1930 at the start of the Great Depression. She was raised lovingly by her parents, and grandparents, Rosa and Ricardo Anesi. Throughout her life her ties to the Italian Trentino-Alto Adige immigrant community remained strong.
She attended and graduated from St. Clement High School. Her friendships with several of her classmates were lifelong. She worked as a bookkeeper for various companies, but the greatest source of pride in her life were her sons and their families. She is survived by her sons Marcus (Amy Boli), Paul (Joan Cummings) and Joseph (Wendy Heimann). The loving "Nonna" to her 8 grandchildren and 1 granddaughter-in-law (Katherine, Marc (Laura), Alexander, Jonathan, Charlotte, Michael, Eva and Noah) will be missed for her kindness, wit and wisdom, often dispensed with love over her home cooking. Her Sunday dinners were legendary and her "gravy" for pasta was unsurpassed. Every grandchild was cherished and recognized for their unique qualities. Her hospitality and friendship touched the lives of many others, who were blessed to confide in her, whether over a bountiful meal or a simple cup of coffee.
She is also survived by her cousins whom she held in close esteem and with whom she maintained a close relationship to the end, including Gemma Francescatti Unser, Dr. Darius Francescatti, his wife Jan and all of the members of both of their families. She will be missed by many other cousins, neighbors and friends. Visitation Sunday, April 8, from 3 to 9 pm; funeral prayers Monday, 9:15 am at Lawrence Funeral Home, 4800 N. Austin Ave., Chicago. Procession to St. Constance Church for 10 am Mass of Christian Burial. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Evans Scholars Foundation (www.wgaesf.com) in the name of the Hilda Nunes Scholarship fund. Interment Mt. Carmel Cemetery. For more information please call 773-736-2300.