Francesca Grace Melilli-Matthews peacefully went to be with our Lord on October 11, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. It could not have been better scripted. Born July 2, 1928 in Paterson, NJ, Francesca was a graduate of Paterson’s Central High School and the Ridgewood School and loved working. She was with the Wayne General Hospital in Wayne, NJ for many years continuing to work in the medical field well into her 70s. She retired in 2007 and relocated from Whiting, NJ to be near her family in Simpsonville, SC. A devote Catholic, she was a parishioner of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Simpsonville. Francesca was an often copied but never duplicated as a terrific Italian cook who enjoyed hosting many Sunday feasts. An avid reader, she thoroughly enjoyed going to the beach with her famous orange hat, beach chair and umbrella she always kept in the trunk of her car. Francesca never missed her standing weekly beauty salon appointment where she enjoyed making and meeting many good friends and lifelong acquaintances. In her later years, she always looked forward to her daily talks with her son, their regular Sunday dinners, a tradition inherited from her parents and being with her family.
Francesca was preceded in death by her parents Salvatore Melilli and Concetta Campienello-Melilli both of whom emigrated from Sicily to Paterson, NJ, her brother John Melilli and sister-in-law Mary Lou Nuss-Melilli of Nutley, NJ.
Francesca is survived by her devoted son William Matthews Sr., daughter-in-law Kelly Alexander-Matthews whose advice she always sought and valued and granddaughter Sydney Matthews all of Simpsonville, SC, a grandson William Matthews Jr. of Downey, CA, who always challenged her sense of humor, her “adopted” granddaughters Jordon Alexander of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Jessica Alexander of Aynor, SC, 3 great-granddaughters, a niece and a nephew. She also held a special place for her caregivers.
A viewing will be held at Mackey Mortuary and Cremation, Greenville, SC at 1PM followed by a religious service at 2PM. Burial will be private.
Donations can be made to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Simpsonville, SC or simply perform a good deed in Francesca’s memory.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at MackeyMortuary.com.
