Franziska A. Durso

Franziska A. Durso, lovingly known as "Frances," passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 6, 2025. Frances was born in Munich, Germany to Johann and Franziska Graf. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Johann Graf.

Franziska's beautiful journey led her from Germany to the United States in 1960. But it began the year prior when she met the love of her life, Joseph Durso, an American soldier stationed in Augsburg. Though she spoke no English and he spoke no German, love needed no translation. Their love story began when Joe first saw Franziska at a train station and followed her to her place of work. After several visits to her parents' home and a date chaperoned by her brother, who served as translator, Joe asked for her hand in marriage. Franziska arrived in America in May 1960, and the two were married on July 2, 1960 beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love and devotion.

Prior to coming to America, Franziska worked at a grocery store in Regensburg, Germany as the bookkeeper. However, her greatest and most cherished career was that of being a wife, mother, and caregiver. She selflessly and tirelessly raised five children and cared for her father-in-law with grace, strength, and unwavering love. She was the true backbone of her family, always placing everyone's needs before her own.

A woman of quiet strength and determination, After raising her family, Franziska reentered the workforce and applied for a position at Acme market in Carbondale and was immediately hired. Over the course of more than ten years, she worked in several departments including the deli, salad bar, and hot foods section. She later worked for a German optics company in Carbondale and spent several enjoyable years at Nibbles and Bits before officially retiring at the age of 76.

Franziska's faith was central to her life. A devout Roman Catholic, she prayed the rosary daily and carried her faith into every aspect of her life. Beyond her devotion to her family and her faith, she found great joy tending to her flower gardens, preparing delicious meals, sewing, and keeping a home that was always warm, welcoming, and filled with love. Her hands were never idle, and her heart was always open.

Franziska leaves behind her beloved husband, Joe - her partner of 65 years, her five children, Joseph Durso, Elizabeth (Bill) Dengler, Mechele Greene, Mike (Linda) Durso, and Mary Frances Mondo; her grandchildren: Christine Parise, Beth Ann (Casey) Berwanger, Martin Parise, Jr., Andrew (Monica) Arnberg, Zachary (Sabrina) Arnberg, Gabrielle Durso, Brooke Durso, Michael Durso, Francesca (Rory) Mondo, Nicolina Mondo, Jack Faw, Samantha (Matthew) Szelega, Bill Dengler, Dawn (Mike) Johnson, Joy (Josh) Culver, Jessica (Sal) Saladino, great-grandchildren Nolan Szelega and Evan Szelega, her sister-in-law Crystal Graf, nieces and nephews, and many extended family members and dear friends. Her legacy lives on in each of them – in their kindness, their strength, their laughter, and their love.

Her life was a shining example of devotion, humility, and love - values that will continue to live on in all those who were fortunate enough to call her wife, mother, grandmother, or friend.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Mt. Carmel Church, Carbondale or Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore in-patient unit.

A special thank you to the dedicated staff at Hospice of the Sacred Heart (in-patient and home hospice) staff; Frances' caregivers, which included her loving husband, her children, her grandchildren, and special caregiver, Ashleigh Richardson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 15 Fallbrook Street, Carbondale, PA, celebrated by the Rev. Joseph J. Mosley, assistant pastor. Entombment of cremains will take place after Mass at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Township, PA.

A viewing will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements are under the care of the Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Carbondale, PA.