Frances D. Crake Obituary
Frances D. Crake, 94, life-long resident of Norwalk, beloved wife of 51 years to the late Frank C. Crake, passed away on October 24, 2024. Frances was born on September 14, 1930, in Norwalk, the eldest of six children of John and Mary (Mazzucco) Romanelli.
Frances grew up on Morton Street in Norwalk and attended local schools. She was a graduate of Norwalk High School Class of 1948 and a parishioner at St. Joseph's and St. Mary's Roman Catholic Churches. Frances married her husband, Frank, on August 26, 1950. They raised three children in the Spring Hill neighborhood, where Frances was a resident for 70 years. She was a member of a large extended family, and was always connected to her and Frank's many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
In addition to raising a family, Frances joined the formal work force, working in the corporate offices at R. C. Bigelow. After retiring in the mid-1990's Frances spent time with family, at the various events offered by the Norwalk Senior Center, and enjoyed her time volunteering through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). She could often be found in her yard, gardening and watching the wild life; or in the kitchen cooking or baking. Frances was an avid knitter, crocheter, and sewer. She made numerous items for members of her family and in recent years was part of a group that made hats for premature babies at Norwalk Hospital and for local school children - she loved to see their faces light-up when given a hat. Frances enjoyed reading the daily local paper, calling friends and family about articles and information she thought they would find to be interesting. In recent years, Frances looked forward to her weekly luncheon out with friends. She also loved to proudly display the American flag from her front door. A special time of the day was when the mail would arrive and she would often go to the door to greet the mail carrier.
Always a devoted grandmother to her four grandchildren, Frances could often be found at school events, Little League and softball games, orchestra performances, band competitions, or driving to after school activities and jobs. She was particularly excited to be a great-grandmother and enjoyed spending time with her great-granddaughter.
In addition to her husband and parents, Frances was predeceased by her siblings Marie DeMartino, Roger Romanelli, Marge Francavilla, and Arlene Tanner; daughter Kathy Vingo; and son in-law David Boccuzzi. Frances is survived by her brother John (Dot) Romanelli of Pompano Beach, Florida; sister-in-law Carol Romanelli of Windsor, Connecticut; children Diane Boccuzzi and Bruce Crake of Norwalk; grandchildren Becky (Anthony) Pavia of Norwalk; Tracy (Anthony) Joyce of Wilmington, Massachusetts; Dan (Judy) Vingo of Brooklyn, New York; and Carrie Vingo of Vernon, Connecticut; great-granddaughter Mariana Pavia; and many nieces and nephews.
Her family will receive friends on Tuesday, Oct 29 from 4-6 PM at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave, Norwalk. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Wed, Oct 30, at St. Mary Church, 669 West Ave, Norwalk, with burial to follow at St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Stroke Association (stroke.org).
