Pauline Filice De Francesco passed away May 14, 2007 in Firebaugh, CA. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Mario De Francesco Sr. and son Alfred De Francesco. She is survived by her son Mario De Francesco Jr. and his wife Carolyn of Firebaugh, daughter Louise Lindeleaf and her husband Robert Lindeleaf of Fresno, and daughter-in-law Dolores De Francesco of Gilroy. She also leaves her grandchildren; Michelle Cardella, Frank, Mario III, Michael, and Christopher De Francesco, Mia Eaton, Toni Lindeleaf, and Robin Watenpaugh, 14 great grandchildren, and sister-in-law Judy Filice of Gilroy.
Pauline was born in Donaci, Calabria, Italy and immigrated with her family to the United States through Ellis Island in 1919.
She grew up in Gilroy, working as a young lady at Filice and Perrelli Cannery, other local retail shops and was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church’s C.L.A.S. until her move to Firebaugh in 1974. where she worked at the rectory of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Her biggest joy came through her loving family, hosting huge Italian dinners for family and friends, she loved to go on outings and vacations with her family, and enjoyed spending time with The Happy Hookers Club (crocheting, knitting and needle point).
Funeral Mass will be held 11 A.M. Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Firebaugh. A chapel service will begin at 10 A.M. Tuesday at Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery, Gilroy. Donations may be made in her name to Eagle’s Nest Youth Group in care of Firebaugh First Baptist Church.
