Franca Scavo
May 8, 1935 – March 21, 2020

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Franca, loving wife of Ferdinando of Sixty years. Franca passed away peacefully knowing we had all been there by her side.

Franca was born May 8, 1935 in Colosimi, Cosenza, Italy. She immigrated to Canada in 1959 with her brother Angelo Leo to reside in Fernie, BC with her sister Assunta Rocca. The following year (1960) she was joined by Ferdinando Scavo and were married. They settled in Red Deer, AB where they had two children, Angela and Benny.

Franca was a very hardworking women., Most of her working years was as a seamstress with Rob Rae Clothiers and then she ventured off on her own, opening her own tailor shop from home all while helping to raise the grandchildren and managing the household. Her life was her Family and Friends. She was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. She enjoyed gardening and grew enough vegetables to supply her whole family and more. She also loved growing and nurturing her flowers which she was so proud of, they were truly amazing.

Franca’s passion was taking care of her grandchildren, they will always remember her fresh warm donuts, fresh baked bread, homemade salsiccia, and of course her pasta. She taught the grandchildren so much about life that they will pass down to their children. She was such a wonderful role model, a strong woman who not only worked hard but cared deeply for everyone around her, and they appreciated the love and support they always received from her.

Franca loved to cook, bake and host dinner parties for her family and friends. She also loved making wine and drinking it too. Franca loved playing the card game Scopa and was a tough one to beat! She especially loved playing and teaching the game to her grandson Matteo.

Franca was also loved by her renters, It was a ritual that when you came to pay rent you were not allowed to leave until she had fed you and have given you a drink.
While residing at the Centennial Center in Ponoka she received extra ordinary care by the staff on the Aurora unit which was a milestone for her future well-being. The kindness and compassion of the staff especially Alyson Jamieson (Social Worker) who played a big part in Franca’s life as Alyson gifted her a dementia doll which was her lifeline when going on to reside at Michener Extendicare. The care she received on unit 2100 from all the staff, Breanna (social worker), and the compassionate Marie Husk was second to none.

Franca’s sister-in-law Lina Soluri was so loving and compassionate and was always there for her and the family. We thank you and love you Zia.
Franca is survived by her loving husband Ferdinando and her loving children Angela (Al) Kloepper, and Ben (Leah) Scavo, their loving grandchildren Jacob (Carmen) Plouffe, Cayla (Jean Michel) Galarneau, Nico Plouffe, Alanna (Shawn) Neigel, and her loving great grandchildren Matteo, Nico, Damien, Luca and another beautiful grandchild on the way.

We will miss our Franca, Mama, and Nonna, she will forever be in our hearts. Due to the circumstances a celebration of Franca’s life will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Society.

“In tears we saw you sinking

We watched you fade away

Our hearts were almost broken

You fought so hard to stay.

But when we saw you sleeping

So peaceful, free from pain

We could not wish you back

To suffer that again.

Two tired eyes are sleeping

Two willing hands are still

For one who suffered far too much

Is resting in God’s will.

You never said goodbye to us

For perhaps it’s just as well

We never could have said goodbye

To one we loved so well.”

• Date : 2020-03-21
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home