It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a strong, amazing and feisty woman. Francesca left this world peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer's on Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at the age of 88.
Francesca was born in Santomenna, Italy, Province de Salerno on July 10, 1926, daughter of the late Luigi and Annamaria Figurelli.

She was predeceased by her husband, Vincenzo (Jimmy), in 1995 and her three brothers and four sisters. She lived in the Menlo Park Terrace section of Woodbridge Twp. For the last decade. Originally immigrating to the U.S. in 1958; calling Jersey City her home for most of her life. She worked in the garment industry as a hand seamstress for forty years retiring in the late 90's. Her greatest passions were her family, working, cleaning, cooking, and feeding everyone "Mangia, mangia!"

She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and friend. She was an exceptional mother to Maria Frey (Walter) and Gerardina (Val) and 'son' Anthony Passaro. An extremely proud grandmother of Joseph Frey, a loving aunt to nieces and nephews around the world, including the U.S. Canada, Italy, Argentina and Belgium. A special debt of gratitude that can never be repaid to Maria Marsala, her very attentive, caring and loving caregiver and friend. Thank you also to Parker House and staff for all their early care and wonderful assistance "at work". Francesca will be deeply missed and always remembered in our hearts by family, relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, August 23, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. from the Flynn and son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords, NJ 08863, followed by a 10 a.m. Funeral Liturgy at Our Lady of Peace R.C. Church in Fords. Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Visitation will be on Friday, August 22, 2014 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association in Francesca's memory would be greatly appreciated by the family. You may make a memorial gift by calling (973) 586-4300, or by mail to Alzheimer's Association, Greater N.J. Chapter, 400 Morris Ave. Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834.