Frances J. Barsotti, 94, a former resident of Calumet passed away peacefully with her devoted daughter, Martitia, by her side on Monday, April 10, 2017.
Frances was born on October 16, 1922 in Calumet, Michigan to the late Anton and Margaret Mesich. She was proud to be a graduate of Calumet High School. She was employed by J.C. Penny’s in Calumet and later graduated from Beauty School in Bay City, Michigan. Upon her return to Calumet, she eventually began her own business, Fran’s Beauty Shop, which she operated until she married the love of her life, the late Ercole J. Barsotti, who adored Fran. Frances and Ercole had their first date during the Christmas Season of 1959, became engaged six weeks later on Valentine’s Day 1960, and married the following month on March, 1960.
Frances cherished her life with Ercole and their children. She devoted her life to her extended family, friends, and anyone who crossed her path. Frances loved to travel and explore with her family. In addition to being a beautician, she was an expert seamstress, knitter, and baker --- ready to share her talents with anyone who asked or with anyone in need.
Her daughter, Martitia, is eternally grateful to Millie and Roger Little of Calumet for the compassion and loyalty they both gave to their neighbor, Frances, every day following the death of her beloved Ercole in 1987. As her health began to fail fifteen years ago, Roger selflessly watched out for Mom and protected her as if she was family. His steadfast, respectful care of Frances allowed her to maintain her dignity and spirit in Calumet.
With Roger’s support, Martitia was able to move Frances to Kansas to be with her and her family --- husband, Marcello DiMare, and children, Francesco and Domenico. Frances shared her joy of life with her grandsons and they adored her, taking such pride in knowing they touched her heart and could always make her smile.
Frances spent the last 2 years of her life at Garden Terrace of Overland Park, Kansas --- an exceptional residence for anyone affected with dementia. There, her optimism, strength, compassion, and wisdom carried all those around her, including her daughter. Martitia and her family cannot express enough with words the gratitude they have for the respect, joy, and love every staff member of Garden Terrace selflessly gave to Frances.
Frances was proceeded in death by her husband, parents, and all of her siblings --- George (Georgie) Zauhar, Margaret (Marge) Gauthier, Anton (Tony) Mesich, Thomas (Tom) Mesich, and Mary (Mickey) LaBella. Heartbreakingly, Frances was recently proceeded in death by V. Roger Little. She was also proceeded in death by her dearest friend, Alida Elenich, of Calumet.
Frances is survived by her daughter Deborah (Debi) Michael, son E. Peter Barsotti, and daughter Martitia (Marti) Barsotti and her husband Marcello DiMare. She is survived by her grandchildren --- Domenico, Francesco, Nikiana, Jenny, and John. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 21 2017 at 11:00am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Calumet with Father Abraham Mupparathara to officiate. Following mass, a burial service will be held in the Lake View Cemetery in Calumet.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet, Michigan is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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