Frances was born in Shreveport, Louisiana where she also attended Byrd High School. As a young woman Frances helped her parents on their farm on the outskirts of Shreveport. She married Joe Matassa on April 27, 1947. They were married for 51 years until Joe’s passing on October 11, 1998. Also known as “Ms Frances”, she was an avid prayer warrior and attended Mass regularly at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Dallas, Texas where several fellow parishioners knew and loved her. Unfortunately the pandemic and her fragile condition put an end to this long time tradition. Frances was a homemaker who showed her love for her family by cooking her famous spaghetti and meatballs. She enjoyed gardening and was known among her neighbors for her green thumb. She worked at JCPenney’s and later provided daycare in her home. All of the children in her care called her “ Memaw.” She passed away in Dallas, Texas after struggling with Alzheimer’s.
Frances is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe; her parents, Nick and Frances Silvio Pizzolato; and her grandson, Charles Joseph Matassa, Jr.. Surviving Frances are sister, Josie and husband AJ Lewis (of Shreveport, Louisiana), Frances’ and Joe’s four children, Charles and wife, Bea Matassa (of Houghton, Louisiana) Nick and wife, Tina Matassa (of Rowlett, Texas), Diane Matassa and Michael Matassa (both of Dallas, Texas). Also surviving Frances are her grandchildren, Angela Hunter, John and wife, Shelly Rae Matassa, Shannon and husband, Blake Stanley, Cecely and husband, Jeff Maxwell, Kristin Matassa, Michelle Leveridge and Courtney Matassa. Surviving great-grandchildren include Chris Hunter, Corbin Matassa, Sydney Matassa, Bella Johnson, Addie Rae Stanley, Jacob Matassa, Hazel Maxwell, Laylah Miller, Adyson Miller, Kayla Matassa, Aubrey Leveridge, Jr., Madeline Leveridge and Joseph Matassa. Surviving great-great grandchildren include Joshua Hunter and Jayla Hunter. Surviving nieces and nephews include Francille Matassa, James Lewis and Donna Williams.
Visitation for Frances will 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM on Friday, August 9, 2024 at Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home, 10501 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218 immediately followed a rosary at 5:30 PM and funeral service at 6:00 PM.
Committal Services for Frances will be held at Forest Park Cemetery; 3700 St Vincent Ave, in Shreveport, Louisiana on Monday, August 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Pallbearers for Frances will be Aubrey Leveridge, Jr., John Matassa, Jacob Matassa, Blake Stanley, Sammy Matassa and Chris Hunter. Corbin Matassa and Jeff Maxwell will be honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. Of course, any and all prayers are welcome for this loyal prayer warrior.
