Francine Carabbia

Francine Carabbia, 71, of Poland, Ohio, passed away peacefully the night of Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008, in her daughter’s home surrounded by her loving family after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.Francine was born Nov. 24, 1936, in New Castle, a daughter of Frank and Mary DeMasi Rauso.She moved to the Poland area after getting married on Nov. 10, 1962.After graduating from New Castle High School, Francine started working for Gustav Bakery in New Castle and then Reliable Luggage in West Pittsburg. Francine also worked at Nemenz IGA and helped run the family restaurant. The job Francine most enjoyed was the 12 years she spent as a food demonstrator at Sam’s Club in Boardman until she became ill.While living in New Castle she bowled in the Edward DeCarbo Women’s Bowling League, maintaining a high average and winning several tournaments. After moving to the Poland area, she joined the Youngstown Women’s Bowling Association, where she became a member of the National 600 Bowling Club for her 600 sets.She was a fantastic cook and enjoyed cooking for her family. She loved playing bingo and going to Mountaineer, but most of all spending time with her family. Francine left behind a great loss in the hearts of those of us who were blessed with the precious gift of having her touch our lives.She leaves behind to cherish her beautiful memory, her daughter and best friend, Michelle Hughes of Poland and her husband, Patrick; two sons, Orlando Carabbia of Lake Milton and Michael F. Carabbia of Struthers; her former husband and dear friend, Orlando Carabbia; five sisters and two brothers-in-law, Madeline Gurneal of New Castle, Gemma and Arthur Thomas of Boardman, Vivian Rauso and MaryAnn Rauso, both of New Castle, and Regina and Carl Chiafullo of Wampum; a brother and sister-in-law, James G. and Judy Rauso of Hermitage; several cousins, nieces, and nephews; and her granddogs, Kitty, Nika and Gia.Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Mickie F. Rauso; and her sister, Rose Marcantino.You will be remembered each day right from the start, for the memories that we shared forever live within our hearts. Those we hold most dear never leave us and you will live on by the love you brought into our lives.Funeral services will be held at 9:45 a.m. Friday at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland, and at 10:30 a.m. at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Struthers.Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. tomorrow at the funeral home.The family would like to express their special thanks for the great care provided to Francine from Drs. Garg and Buccino and their nursing staffs.Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/ncnewsonline/Obituaries.asp.