Antoinette Franceschi

Antoinette "Cookie" Franceschi, our beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend was welcomed into the loving arms of the Lord on Friday, August 8, 2025. Born in Milwaukee, WI on November 12, 1948 she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Lillian Selestow. A woman of remarkable faith, compassion and generosity, Cookie was a reader, excellent gardener, caretaker to her plants, crafter, fantastic cook, entertainer and Hallmark movie watching partner.

After graduating from Ray Vogue (fashion college) in Chicago, Antoinette worked a variety of retail jobs and then returned home to Wisconsin where she was employed by Kohl's Bakery for 13 years. She was a loving and proud mother to her two children Alka and Zane and together with her husband of 37 years, the late Vjeko Franceschi, they made their happy and welcoming home in Virginia Beach. For nearly forty years up until the day before her passing, Cookie (affectionately called Ms. Net, or Net-Net) was an in-home daycare provider, and still informally used her fashion skills to influence her family and friends. During the summer months her backyard pool was a happy gathering place for her toddlers and their families as well as her own children and their friends, who universally saw her as their second Mom.

Besides her children, she is survived by her daughter-in law Milica and her siblings Andrea (Maarten) Selestow, Anthony (Wendy) Selestow, Blaze (Sue) Selestow and Tanya Selestow as well as seven nephews, eight nieces, eleven great nephews and ten great nieces. Cookie kept in daily contact with nearly all of her family, always with a listening ear and the kindest words of support. Her most frequent and endearing calls were with her best friend of 37 years, who she often said was more like a sister, Sharon McCarthy, who brought joy, love and light to her life. Cookie always looked forward to sharing a delicious meal, engaging conversation and a good bottle of red wine (her favorite being Shiraz) with Bill and Sharon.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, August 23rd at 11:00 AM at the Catholic Church of St. Mark, 1505 Kempsville Road. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM. Both flowers as well as donations to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore would be lovingly appreciated by Antoinette's family.

Although our grief at this sudden loss is immeasurable, it is only surpassed by our treasured memories and the words of advice and encouragement that Cookie gave us through the years, summed up in her favorite refrain:

"May your day be filled with all of God's blessings - peace, love, joy, happiness and excellent health. I love you to the moon and back."