Egidia Franceschi

1927 - 2018

Egidia Franceschi

Egidia Franceschi, age 91, passed away peacefully and among family on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 in her son's home in Elk Grove, California. She was born on May 9, 1927 in Colle di Compito, a small community in the township of Capannori, Italy. Egidia was the 3rd of 7 children born to Valentino and Elena Matteucci. Although part of her youth was interrupted by the hardships of World War II, alongside her parents and siblings, she endured. On April 18, 1955, she married her one and only love, Enrico Franceschi, in Capannori, Italy. In that same year, the newlyweds made the journey to the United States, immigrating to Watsonville, California before eventually settling in San Francisco. A seamstress by day and student by night, the strong work ethic, obduracy, and self-sufficiency that she honed in her youth allowed her to prosper and adapt to her new surroundings. She eventually left San Francisco, settling in the Sacramento Delta area on Ryer Island, where she and her husband would farm and raise a family together. Egidia loved her family and friends dearly. A dedicated wife, mother, sister, and friend, always putting others before herself, she regularly displayed her love through selfless action. Quick to fix a meal for any visitor, you could often find Egidia in her kitchen, where her fastidious nature and keen taste made her an excellent cook. She will be remembered not only for her recipes, many of which she enjoyed teaching to her children and grandchildren, but also for her honest, compassionate, and generous spirit.
Egidia was preceded by her husband on May 8, 1984. She is survived by her two children, Edward (Sandra) and Elena (Mike); two grandchildren, Enrico and Emilia; her sisters, Teresa Cardelli,Doretta Martinucci, Grazia Ricci, and Anna Maria Betti; and countless nieces and nephews. Family and friends who would like to attend funeral services are invited to The Italian Cemetery in Colma at 11 am on Monday, October 15, 2018, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly ask that donations to be made to your local Hospice organization.