Obituary of Rosemary J DeFrancisco

Rosemary Jean DeFrancisco (July 24, 1943 – July 10, 2024)

                Rosie was a light in the lives of all that knew her. Rosemary “Rosie” DeFrancisco, 80, of Cambridge died peacefully in her home on Wednesday, July 10^th.

                Rosie was a lifelong Cambridge resident. Born in 1943 to Neble and Hilda Enos, she was one of 4 girls, Victoria “Vickie”, Eleanor “Ellie”, and Patricia “Gail”. Rosie was proud of her father’s years of service in the Coast Guard. Rosie’s mother, lovingly known as Nana Enos, was the family’s matriarch until her passing in 2010.

                Rosie spent time as a meter maid for the City of Cambridge and later worked as an EMG technologist in the Neurology Department at Massachusetts General Hospital for over 40 years. Rosie adored her MGH coworkers who were like family to her.

                Rosie met the love of her life, Dominic “Dom” DeFrancisco, in the neighborhood of Broadway and Columbia Street and married in 1959. Together they had 4 children: Michael, Robin, Sandra, and Michelle. Rosie and Dom shared many happy memories with their children which included family vacations and getting involved in community events.

                Rosie’s proudest role was being Nana. She doted on her 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandson. She also had a soft spot for the family dog, Nina. She was her loyal companion and was right by Rosie’s side through some of the darkest of times. Rosie also had countless friends and acquaintances she cared for dearly.

                Anyone who knew Rosie knew how much she loved going to the casino. She enjoyed playing the slots, Bingo and of course the lottery. Encore won’t be the same without her!

                Rosie will always be remembered for her bright smile and warm nature. We couldn’t have asked for a better mother and Nana. Rosie’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

                Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband Dominic, daughter Michelle, sister Patricia and husband Frederick Pierce, sister Victoria and husband Harold Hill, sister Eleanor and husband Bob Antonelli. She is survived by her children Michael DeFrancisco and wife Lori, Robin and husband Luis Oliveira, and Sandra DeFrancisco; grandchildren Dominic DeFrancisco and wife Christine, Michael DeFrancisco and partner Matthew Leavitt, Shawn Darling and fiancée Stephanie Milheirao, Kasandra Darling and fiancé Kirk Boczenowski, Hollie DeFrancisco and partner Devin TerSteeg, and Richelle Cordeiro; great-grandchildren Shayla Darling, Anthony Slocum, Kaleinah Docalavich, Ava Darling, Grace Boczenowski, Raenah DeFrancisco, Nuria and Uther TerSteeg, and Dominic “DJ” DeFrancisco; great-great-grandson Azurai Cruceta and many nieces and nephews.

                A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 21^st from 10am-12pm at Burns Funeral Home, 305 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139. In lieu of flowers, please consider a tribute gift to Rosie’s charity of choice, Boston’s Saint Francis House by visiting www.give.stfrancis.org or mail a check to P.O. Box 120499, Essex Station, Boston, MA 02112-0499.