Francesca Somer - 99
Lifelong Chicago Heights
Frances Somer was born on November 6, 1922 in Chicago Heights IL. Sister of Eleanor (late Ezio) Pignotti and the late Violet (late Ray) McGrath, Thomas (late Catherine) Amadio, Richard (Roberta) Amadio and Joann (late Louis) Simonetti. Her parents, Joseph and Marie, emigrated from the Village of Grotta Mare in the Marche Region of Italy on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Frances was a leader even as a youngster, helping to raise her siblings and assisting her father with any and all tasks around the house which taught her independence, self-responsibility and a strong work ethic. She exemplified what independence for women really meant even before it became a social movement. She graduated Bloom High School; took flying lessons when she was 18, which WWII brought to an abrupt halt; and, she began employment at the First National Bank in Chicago Heights when most women were still homemakers. The bank started her in customer relations as she was fluent in Italian and could assist the many Italian customers who didn’t speak English. She retired from the bank many years later as the Vice-President of the Mortgage Department. Her hobbies included golfing, cooking, gardening and reading. Several years ago the Chicago Tribune did a full section color article on Frances and her sisters and “the Art of making Lasagna.” Frances met Albert Somer (late 1971) along the way, and they made their home in Chicago Heights. They had two children: Anne Marie Tolson (Bill) and Tj Somer (Judi). Frances has three grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Her passions have always been her family, religion and cooking and she likes a bit of politics too. This amazing woman would have turned 100 in November. A memorial visitation will be held at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 W. 14th St. (U.S. Lincoln Hwy/Rt 30), Chicago Heights on Thursday September 1st from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Mass to follow at St. Agnes Church, 1501 Chicago Rd., Chicago Heights, 11:00 AM. Inurnment Assumption Cemetery, Glenwood. For further information contact 708-481-9230 or panozzobros.com
Judy Ochoa
on 08/27/22
Gayle Planera
on 08/29/22
My deepest condolence to TJ and family. I didn't know your mother but knowing TJ, his values and dedication, is a testament to how he was raised. God Bless you all and may she rest in peace.
Tony & De Aurelio
on 09/01/22
Our deepest and most sincere condolences to TJ and family. Francesca raised a perfect gentleman and human in TJ with exceptional values to her testament. Prayers for all. May her memory be eternal. Rest in Paradise Francesca ♥
Rose Crockett
on 09/02/22
My condolences to TJ and family. Sorry, I missed talking to you in church yesterday, TJ. Thanks for the reminiscent memories of Hickory St. This is one stanza of a poem I received when my mother passed away which I refer to at times.
SAFELY HOME: I am home in Heaven, dear ones. Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light.
Joe and Sue Rosati
on 09/07/22
Dear T.J. And family, so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy and know that she and all of you are in our prayers. Sincerely, Joe and Sue
Becky Harnett
on 05/26/23
I was so incredibly saddened to hear this news. So many of my wonderful childhood memories were spent in her home. I loved her dearly. I am so sorry Annie and Tj ❤️