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Frances Ramona Vitale

1929-2011

 

Frances Ramona Vitale, a resident of Sonoma, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2011.

Frances (Fran) was born in Albuquerque, N.M., on Aug. 31, 1929, to Sophia and Demetrio Gabaldon.

She came to San Francisco, in the 1950s and met her husband of 61 years, Joseph Vitale. The Vitales owned several restaurants in Marin County and Frances was always engaging and laughing with the customers. Frances loved to cook for her friends and family. She was a loyal and respected friend to many and will be deeply missed.

A hard working, dedicated mother of five, she is survived by her children, Diane Bettencourt, Lorraine Smyser, Nicholas Vitale, Joseph Vitale Jr. and John Vitale. Her grandchildren include, Lauren Sanchez, Stephanie Smyser, Andrew Bettencourt, Brooke Amoroso, Jennifer Bettencourt, Christopher Vitale, Ethan Vitale and Sophia Vitale. She is also survived by her sisters, Sylvia Quinones and Jenny Rego.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Leo's Parrish, Sonoma.

A memorial Mass will be held at St. Leo's Catholic Church, 601 W. Agua Caliente Road, Sonoma, on June 4, 2011, at noon.

Arrangements under the direction of Duggan's Mission Chapel, Sonoma; www.duggansmissionchapel.