Heaven’s Choir of Angels has a new member. Virginia (nee Franceschi) passed away peacefully at the age of 95, joining her late husband of 71 years, John V. Fazio. Preceded in death by parents Giulio and Gemma Franceschi and her brother Roland. She is survived by son John, Pompano Beach, FL; son Tom (Robin) Grafton, WI; daughter Connie (David) McCuskey, Orono, MN and grandchildren Julianna, Nicole, Stephanie, Thomas, Cora, David, and John, as well as three great grandchildren and an extended family of nieces and nephews.
Virginia’s life was a beautiful testament to the power of love and kindness. She met John at Lincoln High School, where she was prom queen, drum majorette, and likely voted “most likely to brighten your day.” She went on to graduate from State Teachers College, earning a higher education degree, which she used all her life, including teaching hearing impaired children in Milwaukee Public Schools.
Virginia was a gifted vocalist with a soprano voice that captivated all who heard her sing, especially on Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at St. Monica’s Parish. Her professional training at the Wisconsin College of Music provided her with the foundation for a debut, performing with groups around the Midwest including the Milwaukee Florentine Opera Company.
Music was just one of her passions. A more typical day might find Ginny immersed in a crossword puzzle, playing penny poker with her friends in Pompano Beach, cooking chicken and polenta for her loved ones, and lighting up a room with stories from her life of adventures.
Ginny spent her life spreading kindness, love and important lessons including, a glass of wine only counts if it’s red, make sure your meatballs are packed tight before frying and any good party should end with chocolate vodka.
Above all, she found her greatest joy in her family. She deeply loved her children and grandchildren, nurturing them with a gentle spirit and unwavering support. Her warmth and kindness extended to countless others. No one was a stranger to her, as she had a unique ability to make all feel valued and loved.
You are invited to gather on Saturday, December 14th, for a visitation at 1 pm, followed by Mass at 2:15 pm, at St. Monica Catholic Church, Whitefish Bay. Wear whatever you like because Ginny would give you a kiss and say, “you are beautiful.”
A special thank you to the staff at High Point Residence Port Washington for their unbelievable care over the last two years and Horizon Hospice during her final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
The Marcus Performing Arts Center,
www.marcuscenter.org/donate/individual-giving/ or
Dominican High School,
www.dominicanhighschool.com/support
