Frances L. (Pelosi) Vennochi

Frances L. Vennochi of Stoneham, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the age of 98.

Frances was born to Michael and Anna Pelosi and raised in East Boston along with her two brothers Agostino and Anthony. Theirs was a traditional close knit Italian family where she was a devoted daughter and loving sister.

She graduated Girls High class of 1942 and went to work at the bank as a secretary/stenographer. In 1973, she returned to the workforce as a secretary at the PJ Kennedy School in East Boston.

Frances met Joe Vennochi at a USO dance during the war and were married in 1946. They moved to Stoneham in 1962 where they raised a family and enjoyed a wonderful life. Together they were a true partnership; dedicated and supportive of each other and in love until the end. He always said he had married “the most beautiful girl in East Boston.”

Frances was an excellent cook - the late Mayor Tom Menino once said her eggplant was the best he had ever tasted - and a natural talent in many ways, with a special knack for finding a great bargain. She was a 62 year communicant at St Patrick Parish and a Eucharistic minister, loved to tend to her plants, work in the yard, read, and travel with her girlfriends. She was an exceptional bridge player and participated in many weekly games at the Stoneham, Wakefield, and Reading Senior Centers.

Frances embodied the best of qualities: love of her family, strength of spirit, and commitment to her faith. She wanted to give her children more opportunities and a better life than she had herself and worked extremely hard to do so. Her life reflected selflessness and dedication, always putting her family first. She never hesitated to sacrifice for what she thought they needed and was always their biggest supporter.

Frances was the beloved wife of 44 years to the late Julius J. Vennochi and predeceased by her parents, brothers, and sister in law Dolores Pelosi. She was the devoted mother of Janet and William Maguire of West Barnstable, Thomas and Joan Vennochi of Melrose, John and Pam Vennochi of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Joanne and Thomas St. Pierre of Stoneham. She was especially proud of her four grandchildren: Conor Maguire and his wife Julie, Nicholas Vennochi and his wife Hannah, Anna Vennochi and her partner, Matthew Giolito, and Sarah Vennochi, along with her grandson in spirit, Ben Nadworny and his wife Madison. She was delighted to meet her five great grandchildren: Claire, Simon, Walter, Gio, and baby Greta.  Frances was especially close to Rose Leone of Lynnfield, Ann Valerio of Melrose, and her cousin Frances McKinnon of Humarock and also is survived by many loving cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. 

Her departure comes with great sadness. We are thankful for the impeccable care from Kara at Lahey Health at Home and her aides Donna, Karen, Lourdes, Arlene, Wistha, Becky, and Marta who all gave great love and attention to her every need.

Funeral from the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main Street Stoneham, on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 9 am followed by a Funeral Mass celebrating Frances’ Eternal Life in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central Street Stoneham at 10:00 am. Internment is private.

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with the family on Monday, January 29, 2024 in the funeral home from 4pm to 7pm. Parking attendants and elevator is available.

The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, or My Brother’s Table 98 Willow St, Lynn, MA 01901.