Frances DeSipio

Frances DeSipio Frances (Breve) DeSipio, age 91, passed away at her home in Glendora, on March 1, 2025. Standing just five feet tall, Frances radiated abundant creativity, service, and love that forever touched the lives of all who knew her. "Small but mighty!" her sister said.
Born in Philadelphia on May 14, 1933, Frances, and twin sister Delores, were the eighth and seventh children of Margaret (Russo) and Ettore Breve, who both emigrated from Italy and whose industriousness benefited their community, family, and nation.
Growing up in a busy, full, loving household, Fran cherished family above all. In 1956 she married John DeSipio, a frequent customer in her family's corner soda shop. She became a loving mother to Philip in 1957 and Patricia in 1958. Fran and John eventually moved across the bridge to Oaklyn, NJ, where Fran was active in her church, PTA, bowling league, Girl Scouts, and other community service.
Fran had a sharp mind and proudly balanced her checkbook to the penny till the day she passed. She held several administrative and service jobs outside her home. Her favorite was as a longtime bridal gown specialist at South Jersey's famed Seventh Heaven Bridal shop. In later years she enjoyed helping care for older neighbors in Glendora. In fact, she loved to care and cook for EVERYONE in her life.
Always stylish, Fran expressed her fashion sense and creativity by sewing beautifully tailored clothes for her family, and making exquisitely detailed dolls, crafts, and embroidery. She loved to do Christmas bazaars with her sisters. Her baking is legendary, especially her pound cakes and ricotta cookies.
Frances had a fervent faith, praying her rosary every night for years. She had a fun side too, and loved collecting seashells from beaches wherever she went, doing 1000+ piece jigsaw puzzles, bike riding with her kids on the Ocean City boardwalk, and finding the most perfect cards and gifts for friends and family, especially her granddaughters, for every occasion.
She is survived by her children Philip (Debbie) DeSipio of Jacksonville, Florida, daughter Patricia (Neil) Pyke of Boise, Idaho, sister Betty (Rick) Santella, grandchildren Lauryn and Kori (Austin), great grandson Cayden, bonus great granddaughter Danika, and many nieces, nephews, grand and great nieces and nephews, who she loved as if they were her own children.
Fran is predeceased by her parents, her husband, John, and her siblings Martha, Alfred, Jennie, Anna, Mary, Mary, and twin sister Delores.
There will be a visitation from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME - RUNNEMEDE. Funeral service 3pm at the funeral home. Immediately after the service, family and friends are invited to a dinner reception at a nearby restaurant to continue celebrating Frances' life. Interment will take place at a private service next week.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a mass card, or sending a memorial donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: 501 St. Jude’s Place Memphis, TN 38105; www.stjude.org 800-822-6344, which Fran supported for many years.