FRANCES BUSTIN

FRANCES (BUSSOLARI) BUSTIN STERLING - Frances (Bussolari) Bustin, 82, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at UMass Medical Center in Worcester. She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Ralph A. Bustin, Sr.; son, Ralph A. Bustin, Jr. & wife Christine; and daughter, Darlene Beshaw & husband Trent; her brother Gary Bussolari & wife Marcia; grandchildren, Anderson Beshaw, Corey Massaro, Adrian Bustin, Jacob Bustin, and the late Stacie Massaro; several great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces, and extended family and friends, including her dear friend Ruth Tyler. Daughter of the late Frank & Elsie (Govoni) Bussolari, Frances was raised and educated in Somerville with her life long friend, the late Dottie (Barry) Higgins, by her side. Frances devoted herself to raising her family and was a dedicated homemaker, loving wife, mother, and grandmother. In her younger years she loved working as a waitress at several restaurants in the Somerville area. Among her many talents, she was known for her home cooked meals and tasty desserts. She enjoyed hosting and entertaining family and friends with dinner parties, and especially loved Christmas. Frances and Ralph also enjoyed dancing together and she loved playing cards, most especially cribbage. Frances' most cherished role was that of Nonnie to her beloved grandson, Anderson. They had a special bond and she and Ralph would spend every weekday with young Anderson cooking, playing, and driving him around. As he grew, she proudly attended all of his school events, piano recitals, concerts and performances. Frances loved talking with people and never met a stranger she didn't soon come to know. She was a very giving person, helping many in their time of need. Family and friends were invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11AM on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at St. Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge St., Sterling, with burial following in Hillside Cemetery, Sterling. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Frances Bustin to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com.