Obituary of Franca Dicembrino

Frances Dicembrino was born to Barnaba and Santo Dicembrino on December 13 1952. She grew up in Palermo, Sicily with her sister Ina, brothers Salvatore, Enrico, Mimmo, and Roberto. She was born Francesca however to her family she was known and lovingly called Franca. She changed her name to Frances when she became an American citizen. She had a large family, she was a loving and doting Aunt to 15 nieces and nephews. Frances also had numerous cousins in Italy and here in America, that loved her very much. When her parents chose to come to America for a better life they sold everything they had and came here without money, jobs, and unable to speak English. Franca was 17 years old when she arrived. She worked hard to learn the language and found a small job sewing zippers all night at home for extra money. Through the years as her English improved and she gained more experience sewing she felt her confidence grow and continued her learning through a program at F.I.T in Manhattan as a pattern maker. She landed very successful jobs at Macy's, Liz Claiborne, and Vera Wang among other fashion designers. Before she retired after a 47-year career, she worked at Xscape Evenings Ltd a Betsy Adams company for the last 15 years. Franca was truly talented in her trade, she was extremely talented and her work ethic was greatly admired by her bosses, and her colleagues. She was once asked by her bosses at Xscape to design 4 evening gowns worn at the Academy Awards that resembled the high end ones, the task was to make them more affordable to the average woman. Franca's talent was like no other; she quickly went to work, and far exceeded her task and made four beautiful evening gowns in less than 5 days where they appeared on Good Morning America. This is just one example of how much she loved her craft and how dedicated she was to her work. Franca was a strong, beautiful, talented woman and given her humble beginnings was able to have an amazing career in the fashion industry. Once she focused her mind on something, she could accomplish anything. One last remembrance, Franca's integrity, character, and faith were a very important to her. This is what made Franca a very special person. We can all learn from her life and she will always be in our hearts. Rest in peace. The family would appreciate donations to www.goodshepherdhospice.chsli.org