Frances Vecchio

Frances Barbara Vecchio , 97, of Crabtree, passed away on the beautiful, sunny morning of Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021. She left this life the same way that she lived. Peacefully, gracefully, and surrounded by the family that she loved. She was daughter of Anna Frederick Oshie and John Oshie, of Crabtree, and the last remaining of her 11 siblings. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Samuel Vecchio, who was waiting to welcome her to heaven; beloved sister to the late Josephine Flick, Nellie Strojek, Alice Todaro, Walter, Andy, John, William and Joseph Oshie, and her little brother and sister, Teddy and Stephanie, who died during the Spanish influenza of 1917. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra; and son-in-law, Robert, who was like a son to her for over 55 years. She is survived by her granddaughters, Louisa (Darin) Wotus, of Crabtree, and Robynn (Christopher) Storey, of Greensburg. She is also survived by her beloved great-grandchildren, Alexa Smail Storey, of Atlantic Highlands, N.J., Samuel (Kayla) Wotus, of Pittsburgh, Katie Wotus, of Oakland, Calif., and Jack Storey, of Greensburg. Grandma Fran, as she was known to all who loved her, was an avid gardener, cook and entertainer. Famous for her warm hospitality, fantastic cooking, and zest for life, she had a kind word, a warm cookie, or a cup of coffee for everyone who came to visit. Her happiest times were spent planting flowers, cultivating their blooms, and watching them flourish. A waitress, then later hostess at Carbone's Restaurant, Crabtree, for over 40 years, she met thousands of customers, many of whom became friends. She got to know the Carbone's patrons and enjoyed seeing the small children of those customers grow up, go to college, get married and later have children of their own. A fantastic storyteller, with a sharp memory, and great sense of humor, she could easily tell tales, with absolute accuracy, of her and her siblings and their adventures in the 1930s, '40s and '50s. Until recently, she was still doing her own cooking, cleaning, and gardening, despite the unacknowledged protests of her family. "I am capable of taking care of myself," she would say. And she was. She often talked about her long life, grateful for 97 years of good health and happiness. She loved to laugh, loved to shop, and her granddaughters will tell you that every great dress they ever owned, she bought. She was the sweetest, kindest, and the most gracious person you could ever know. She will be sincerely, deeply, and sadly missed. There will be no public viewing. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in the St. Bartholomew Church, with Fr. Justin Matro, OSB, celebrating. Everyone please go directly to the church. Interment will follow in Calvary Hill Cemetery, Crabtree. Please be prepared to adhere to all current CDC guidelines. The family would like to offer a special thank you to Charlotte, Lisa and Shari for their compassionate care. Frances' family has entrusted her care to CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601, 724-837-0020 . In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice, 3520 Route 130, Building No. 3, Irwin, PA 15642. To share your memories and photos, offer your condolences, or for directions, please visit us at www.pantalone.com Natale N. Pantalone, Supervisor.