Frances M. Vitiello

Frances “Fran” M. Vitiello, 73, resident of Winchester, MA passed away peacefully on February 11th, 2023 surrounded by her loving family after her second battle to breast cancer that metastasized.

Fran was born on September 17th, 1949 in Medford, MA to Silvio “William” and Carmella “Millie” (Langone) Vitiello. She was a devoted daughter who took on the role as her parents’ caregiver throughout illnesses and her mother’s senior years. She grew up with her two younger siblings; brother, Bill, and sister, Caroline. She was a loving and supportive older sister and her siblings will forever miss her. Fran’s life truly revolved around her family and friends.

Fran did not marry or have children of her own, but she quickly became a second mom and best friend to her adored nieces and nephews. She was “Godmother” to Tara and Christopher, and a sponsor for Alexandria’s confirmation into the Catholic faith. She babysat and hosted countless sleepovers for them all as little kids— which always included homemade fried dough, ice cream sundaes, and popcorn. As her nieces and nephews celebrated major milestones, Fran was a constant support and their biggest cheerleader. She prioritized spending quality time with each of them. Even when distance was a factor - due to moving away for school, work, or to start their own families, Fran was always just a phone call away. She was always there to listen and lend words of wisdom throughout all of life’s highs and lows. Fran held a prominent role in their lives and will forever be known as their “Auntie”. No one will ever be able to replace her.

For the last 25 years, Fran was a dedicated, hard working, and loyal employee at Trader Joes in Arlington, MA. In her professional career, all of her amazing co-workers and customers that she befriended throughout the years became an extension of her family. She was beloved for her unique touch and positive attitude at the store as their food prep demonstrator, and she was always willing to go the extra mile to help make sure the store was as welcoming and successful as it could be. She was TJ’s best “brand ambassador” as she always recommended many standard and seasonal items to her family and friends. Fran’s presence here will be sorely missed. 

In Fran’s free time, she always felt the most at peace at her favorite place, the ocean. She always expressed her appreciation and love for all of nature’s creations. She loved to garden and tend to her precious houseplants. She was also known for cooking amazing home cooked meals to share with loved ones and baking the best authentic biscotti and Italian ricotta cheesecake, upholding her family's traditional recipes.

Fran was an exceptional person that led her life by always treating others the way she wanted to be treated and by lending a helpful hand. She was a true example of spreading God's love into the world through her actions of genuine kindness, generosity, and loyalty. She was a blessing to every life she touched. Fran was a devoted Catholic and remained strong in faith and prayer to the very end.

Fran was predeceased by her father, William “Bill”, and her mother, Carmella “Millie”. She is survived by her family members, which include: her brother, Billy and his long term life partner, Lisa; his children, Derek and Christopher; her sister, Caroline, and brother-in-law, Salvatore; and their children, Tara, Alexandria, Samantha and her husband, Alexander, and Danielle and her fiancé, Austin. Fran is also lovingly survived by many cousins and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 18th, 2023 at 11:00am in Saint Raphael Parish, 412 High Street, Medford, MA. Following the mass, please join us at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford, MA to lay Fran to rest.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Fran’s honor to the American Cancer Society .

Fran was loved by so many people, and all who know her will continue to hold her memory dear to their hearts. May she rest in peace.

Love always and forever, her family and friends