Frances LaLima

Frances LaLima made it to 101 born on March 27, 1921 to parents Rosina and Stefano D’Angelo from Messina, Sicily.

Frances grew up in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn — on Carroll and Henry streets, the youngest of seven children — Angelina, Peter, Joseph, Katherine, Antonia, and Flora.

Rumor has it that when she first met her husband, Nicholas LaLima, in her native borough, there was no

magic. However, in time love blossomed and the couple fell in love. The LaLima’s married on Feb. 20, 1973 and three years later settled in Great Kills.

Frances always looked her best, and learned to sew from her mother. “During her younger years she held a position in the Garment District of Manhattan as a seamstress. She was always inquisitive. And she loved to solve the crossword puzzle everyday.”

A member of the Crafty Ladies at St. Clare’s R.C. Church, Frances created all types of handcrafts with needlepoint being her forte that were donated to shows and fairs at the Great Kills parish.

Every Christmas she would give her family an ornament which she made. And every year you will find them displayed on their trees, Frances was always curious and interested in learning, she planted Irises,

daffodils, tulips, and she maintained her garden everyday. The daffodils and lilies are coming up now at her former house in Great Kills. And she was always fond of playing cards, Pokeno, Michigan Rummy, Rummy, and the family played every holiday. Frances had a big laugh. When she played Pokeno she had her favorite card the “4′s” and if anyone took it, believe me she would retrieve it immediately.

Frances was the “Woman of the Hour” when she was featured on a Smucker’s jar during a segment on the NBC Today Show, for the entire world to see.

We will all miss Frances and her family who lived there entire lives making a better place for all of us to live.

Love you Frances!

A visitation for Frances will be held Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308. A funeral service will occur Friday, August 26, 2022 at 9:45 AM at St. Clare Church, 110 Nelson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10308. A committal service will occur Friday, August 26, 2022 at 11:15 AM at Resurrection Cemetery, 361 Sharrott Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10309.