Eva L. Frangello
April 28, 1919 - May 20, 2012
Obituary
Eva (Isernio) FRANGELLO
Eva Lucile (Isernio) Frangello, 93, passed away May 20, 2012.
Born April 28, 1919 in Seattle, Washington, the eighth of nine
children to Nicola and Principia (Colella) Isernio, who emigrated
from Italy in the early 1900’s. Mom grew up on a farm in the
Duwamish area of South Seattle, went to school and helped
out on the farm when needed. She learned to cook and feed
a large group of workers at an early age. She continued to
“cook for a crowd” throughout her life, even if she was only
cooking for two or three. She worked at the downtown JC
Penney’s during World War II in the baby and children’s
department. During the War years, she saw many of the
big bands in person, and always talked about seeing
Frank Sinatra at the Paramount Theatre. She listened to
his records throughout her life and always thought he was “just it”.
Eva married Edward A. Frangello in 1950 and they began their
life on Beacon Hill, where they resided their entire lives. Mom’s
main job was working at Cleveland High School in the
lunchroom for many years, until both she and Dad retired in
1979. During this time, she also worked with Mary Sacco,
catering weddings and special events around the city. Mom
always knew how to put special touches on food, so that
even the simplest meal seemed fancy. Mom loved to cook!
She made so many meals that were memorable, especially
Christmas Eve (The Feast of the Seven Fishes), Easter
Sunday (Easter Pizza), and any of our birthdays when we
could choose whatever meal we wanted and she would make it.
She used to make the best apple pies, cookies and cakes.
She really should have owned a restaurant, it would have
been a hit! After retirement, they had the time to work three
gardens, theirs, the neighbor’s, and Mom’s brother’s.They
both had green thumbs and their summer bounty was shared
with all. They also both loved to do yardwork, and the flowers
and trees in their yard always looked well tended, cheerful, and bright.
Mom and Dad spent a lot of time on Whidbey Island in the 1960’s
and 1970’s, clamdigging, playing cards and just visiting with
friends. Some of the happiest memories are of time spent with
Uncle Carl, Aunt Verna and Bob Colella, Darrell and Earla Green,
Doug and Ardis, and everyone else along the beach.
Mom loved to crochet, bake and give most of it away, grocery
shop, and go to Bartells and Walgreens. She loved a good
bargain and would buy it even if she didn’t need it “because
it was on sale”! She enjoyed watching The Mariners, Seahawks,
Dancing With The Stars, and The Food Network, especially
Emeril. She also loved to read the newspaper at night
and make late night phone calls that lasted until well after 1 a.m.
Eva was a strong person. She always worked hard and both she
and Dad worked two jobs for much of their lives. She never gave up
and “can’t” wasn’t in her vocabulary. In spite of numerous health
issues over the years, she continued to live her life as fully as
possible. She liked to be busy, cleaning, cooking, shopping,
doing laundry (she’s the only person in America who never had a
clothes dryer). She lived life on her own terms, and was independent
until she was almost 92 years young. She moved to Mission
Healthcare at Bellevue in March of 2011 where she lived the
remainder of her life, across the hall from her older sister, who
will be102 at the end of May! We then celebrated birthdays and
holidays at the nursing home. We had a lovely party for Mom’s 93rd
birthday in late April and ate apple pie with her on Mother’s Day.
Eva was preceded in death by her husband, Ed Frangello,
in 2003; brothers, Phil, John, Al, Frank and Louie; sister,
Mary Picardo; niece Joyce (Picardo) Cerruti; son in law,
Ralph E. Boyd; beloved “granddogs”, Renzo, Dodger and
Rocky. She is survived by her daughters, Linda Frangello Franco
(and her husband, Craig), of Seattle and Whidbey Island, Wash,; and
Patricia Boyd, of Kirkland, Wash.; sisters, Rose Vacca, at Mission
Healthcare and Louise Fusaro, of Burien, Wash.; nephews, Phil Isernio,
Ralph “Bud” Vacca, Richard Vacca, Frank Isernio, Mike Fusaro;
niece, Gloria Isernio Sullivan; many great nephews and great
nieces, and other family and extended family. She also leaves
her newest “granddog”, Aksel, who she referred to as “Sweet Pea”.
Mom was one of a kind, amazing, seemed to always beat the
odds and come back from things with renewed strength.
We will always remember her for her strong spirit, determination,
and “take no prisoners” attitude.
The family wishes to thank all of Mom’s doctors for their care and
concern, especially Dr. James Bushyhead, Dr. Sheldon Goldberg,
and Dr. Peter Demopoulous. Because of their vigilance, we had Mom
for the longest time possible. We also wish to thank Dr. Laurie Mercier
and the entire staff at Mission Healthcare at Bellevue for their kindness,
care and compassion during the 14 months Mom lived there. We knew
she was in good hands. They not only cared for Mom, they took
care of us as well. Thanks to everyone who visited Mom, sent
cards, or asked about her. She appreciated knowing people cared.
Mom’s final resting place will be next to Dad in the Terrace Garden
Mausoleum in Washington Memorial Park. Arrangements by
Bonney-Wastson Washington Memorial
16445 Pacific Highway South
Donations may be made to Medic One
Mom, we love you and we will miss you a lot
Life won’t be the same without you
Eva, was a truly gracious and beautful woman. She and Ed were the perfect pair. There is no doubt the were very special and giving people.
Linda, we hold you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sallie & Dale Palella
I could say a million things about my Mom, funny, crazy, sad and everything in between. She was wiser than I ever gave her credit for, and she had a heart as big as the Universe. She “did” so much for so many and never expected thanks for it. She was there for me in my darkest times. We sat at her kitchen table and talked about life and she always told me to live my life and keep my feet moving, no matter what. She had a strength that was unmatched, fighting through so many things and never giving up. My Dad was the same way. I hope I have inherited some of that strength to see me through this loss of my Mom. I will miss her late night phone calls and so much more. I already miss her more than I ever thought possible. Wherever she is, she’s cooking for a crowd! I love you Mom. Hug Dad for me and pet the dogs. I know we’ll be together again someday.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Death is one of the most difficult things we face in life but may it comfort you to know that others care. I have found great encouragement when reading the beautiful words penned in the Bible at Isaiah 25:8 “He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.” May this promise bring your family comfort in this difficult time.
I believe I had met Eva long ago….I know her best through her daughter Linda Frangello Franco. Seems the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree, as Linda has been cooking, laughing and loving with her many friends and family for as long as I’ve known her.
May your beautiful memories give you strength in the many moments that you will catch yourself missing “mom”. Having lost my mom just over a year ago, it’s hard to believe that you can miss them so much.
Warm hugs to the family and some food, of course.