Obituary: Sister Mary Francesca DiFederico (Florence DiFederico)

Obituary courtesy of Fisette-Batzner Funeral Home

Sister Mary Francesca DiFederico (Florence DiFederico), a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph, West Hartford, CT, died at Msgr Bujnowski Manor in New Britain, CT on January 20, 2023. Born in Waterbury, CT on December 22, 1927 of the late John DiFederico and Mary (Misenti) DiFederico, Sister Francesca entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 24, 1945 and celebrated her Profession of Vows on August 24, 1951. Sister was 95 years of age and in her 77th year of Religious Life.

Sister Francesca earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Diocesan Sisters College, West Hartford, CT and a Masters Degree in Spanish from Assumption College, Worcester, MA. Sister first taught in the elementary schools of the Archdiocese of Hartford, the Diocese of Springfield MA and the Diocese of Norwich, CT. She especially loved her four years as teacher and caregiver at St. John School, Deep River, CT. Sister Francesca was also a Spanish teacher at South Catholic High School in Hartford and was principal and teacher at St. Peter School, New Haven CT where in her kind and loving manner, she cared for each student's and teacher's needs. In 1974, Sister Francesca's desire to open a day care center came to reality and Park Village Day Care Center at 27 Park Road was established. Sister Francesca ministered to pre-school children and their parents for twenty two years, making it possible for the children to experience learning in fun-loving ways and in a safe environment.

When a change warranted, Sister Francesca accepted a position as assistant in the Provincial Finance Office where she proved to be very skillful. Her kindness to all who needed her help was her priority. Sister Francesca in her eighties, did not retire but did Community Service - giving a hand in the business office, directing the 'Happory Program' by which special cards were sent to shut-ins, assisting in the gift shop, bringing Sisters shopping, visiting the sick and the sisters in nursing homes, playing cards and spending time in prayer for everyone. All kept her busy and happy. Sister Francesca was the most generous person one would ever know as she always thought of others' needs before her own. She was a fun-loving-all-around person who loved celebrations and displayed a great sense of humor. It would be hard to duplicate such a person and a Sister of St. Joseph. She will be greatly missed by all her Sisters, friends and family.

In addition to her Sisters in Community, Sister Francesca is survived by her nephews, Richard DiFederico and David DiFederico and many grandnephews and grandnieces. Sister is predeceased by her sister Gloria Pisco, her brothers and sisters-in-law, Pasquale (Pat) and Carmella DiFederico, Guido (Mickey) and Jean DiFederico and Leonard and Helen DiFederico, a brother, Hugo DiFederico and a nephew John Difederico.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Sisters of St. Joseph Provincial House Chapel, 27 Park Road, West Hartford at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, with a wake from 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Masks are required. Burial will follow at the Sisters of St Joseph Cemetery on Ringgold St. in West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a memorial donation to the Sisters of St. Joseph, c/o of Office of Mission Advancement, 650 Willard Ave., Newington, CT 06111. Fisette-Batzner Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington has care of arrangements.