WESTFIELD: Frances L. Vella LeBlanc, 89, died on Wednesday March 25, 2015, peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving children and her devoted caregiver/companion, Donna LaRue. She was born in Westfield on August 3, 1925, to the late Ferdinand and Carmella Vella. Frances was a homemaker and resided in Westfield all her life and was a longtime communicant of St.Mary’s Church. She worked for over 35 years as a lunch mother at Highland School and retired when she was 82. She enjoyed cooking for her family and spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and close friends. Fran remained very close for over 80 years with her longtime Church Street friends, Mary Queipo, Ann Fattorini, Mary Machietto and Jo Crean and they would meet for lunch as often as they could. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 60 years, Raymond L. LeBlanc in October of 2012. Fran leaves behind her children Karey Pessagno and her husband Lou of Jacksonville, FL, Christopher LeBlanc and his wife Mary Faith of Westfield, Laurie Howard and her husband Brian of Westfield. She was also predeceased by her loving brothers Charles, Thomas (Red) and Rosario Vella all of Westfield. She also leaves two sister-in-laws, Theresa Cameron and her husband James of Hillsboro, Oregon and Rose Marie Stone of Enfield, CT. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Michael Pessagno, Colette Montgomery and her husband Keith, Christopher LeBlanc, Marissa Smithies and her husband David, Vanessa LeBlanc and her boyfriend Tyler Willey, Ryan Howard and his girlfriend Megan Walsh, Kate Saltus and her husband Adam and Jon Howard and his fiancé Susan Callahan. She also leaves behind her great grandchildren, Hunter Montgomery, Michael Smithies, Tyler Willey Jr.and soon to arrive baby Saltus. In addition, she leaves several beloved nieces and nephews.The family would like to express their thanks to Mercy Hospice and Mercy Companions for their wonderful care and compassion during her recent illness. The funeral will be held on Monday, March 30, 2015 at 9:30AM from the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad St, Westfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Church. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Sunday. March 29 from 4-7PM. Donations may be made in memory of Frances to St. Mary’s Church, 30 Bartlett St., Westfield, MA, 01085 and Mercy Hospice 2112 Riverdale Street, Suite 3, West Springfield, MA 01089. firtionadams.com
