Frances Huff

Racine – Frances Huff, formerly Frances Valente, 97, received the promise of eternal life on Tuesday, April 24, 2012.  She was born in Racine on December 6, 1914, daughter of the late Michael and Mary (nee: Palmesano) Mascari.

Frances was united in marriage on August 21, 1941, to Alfred Valente, who preceded her in death on January 22, 1977.  Frances was an entrepreneur and will be remembered for the businesses she owned and operated at 1403 Superior Street.  She operated Franny’s Little Super and Huff N Puff Inn from this same location.

Frances was the true definition of a mother.  Throughout her life, she served as a matriarch for many groups of people including cub scouts, girl scouts, and 4-H.  Frances truly loved to cook for everyone and made everything from scratch.  She made excellent homemade spaghetti, pizza, sausages, and many other family dishes.  Frances also was a great baker and made fabulous pies, cookies, and cakes all throughout her life.  Besides eating, Frances enjoyed singing, crocheting, playing cards, and crafts like painting.  She will ultimately be remembered for her drive to “keep on going”.  Frances will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Frances leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Frank (Angie) Valente of Racine, Sherry (Ken) King of Pleasant Prairie, Patricia (Harry) Lofquist of Racine; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-children; sister, Rose Marie Kober of Minnesota; nieces, nephews, and other relatives too numerous to mention.  In addition to her parents and husband, Frances is preceded in death by 10 brothers and sisters.

A celebration of Frances’ life will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2012, 12pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, with Rev. Allen Bratkowski officiating.  Visitation will be from 10am until the time of the service.  Burial will take place on Monday, April 30, 2012, 1pm, at West Lawn Memorial Park in Racine.

The family would like to extend a heart-felt “Thank You” to all of the staff at Odyssey Hospice and Ridgewood Care Center for the love and support that they gave to Frances.