Elsa Del Frate

Elsa Del Frate

June 25, 1926 - June 13, 2013

Resident of Mountain View

Elsa Del Frate passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on June 13th, while on vacation with her family in Hawaii. A beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she was a guiding light to all who knew her. Spending time with and cooking for family and friends were her passions. She will be forever missed by all, especially those who were able to enjoy her incredible Italian cooking.

Born in Italy in 1926, Elsa spent a portion of her childhood growing up in Brazil. Returning to Italy in her teens, Elsa met and fell in love with Marino. The two were married on September 7th 1947, and began their life together that would last more than 50 years, until Marino's passing in 1998. They left Italy in the late 1950's with their 2 oldest children, first moving to Canada, and then on to the United States where they settled in Mountain View in the Fall of '67. Devout Catholics, Marino and Elsa began worshiping at St. Joseph's Parish, and up until her passing, Elsa could be seen on her daily walk to Mass. Her generous support and work for both St. Joseph's Church and School, and the Italian Catholic Federation were an inspiration for all.

She was preceded in death by her beloved Marino, son-in-law, Bill Puccetti and granddaughter Stephanie Del Frate. Elsa is survived by her children Marcy Puccetti, Pier Del Frate, Joanne MacDonald, and son-in-law, Todd MacDonald; her granddaughters Christina Linneman and husband James, Amy Randazzo and husband Brandon, Alexandra and Erika MacDonald; great grandchildren Sean, Evelyn, Jake, Sofia and Addison.

Services will be held Tuesday, June 25th at 10:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 582 Hope Street, Mountain View. Vigil will be held Monday, June 24th at 7 pm also at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary, Mountain View. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or School.