Obituary of Frances J Pasciuto

Frances J. Pasciuto, The loving wife of the late Salvatore Pasciuto, proud mother of five, and beloved member of every community she touched, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on Saturday, June 21.

Born and raised in Dorchester she was the daughter of the late Luciano and Rosaria (Ansaldi) Ardagna. She was raised with traditional Italian values and boundless energy.

Frances met the love of her life, Sal Pasciuto, in one of the most charming ways imaginable, at a VA dance club. Too nervous to approach her himself, Sal had a friend break the ice. That shy introduction was the beginning of a 65-year marriage built on deep affection, unwavering partnership, and a lot of laughter.

The couple first settled in Somerville before moving to Billerica, where they would raise their growing family. Frances left her job as a typist at John Hancock to focus entirely on raising her children, a decision she never once looked back on.

Though she paused her professional life, her spirit never slowed. An athlete at heart, Frances once played on the John Hancock softball team, and she carried that love of sports into her motherhood. With a houseful of kids and only one car, she still managed to shuttle everyone to sporting events, school activities, and family outings. She kept a close watch over her children, striking a perfect balance between freedom and firm guidance, ensuring they had a joyful, safe, and loving upbringing.

Once her children were grown, Frances returned to the workforce in a new way, this time at Shawsheen Tech, where she served lunches to hundreds of students. But Frances did more than just serve food; she offered kindness and support. Quietly and without recognition, she would often reach into her own pocket to make sure no child went without a meal. It was a testament to her giving heart and belief that every child deserved dignity and care.

Frances also had a fun-loving, playful side. She was a fan of game shows, loved playing bingo, and enjoyed trips to Encore and Foxwoods to test her luck. A frequent customer at Dale Pharmacy, she became known as the “Lucky Lady of Dale Pharmacy” thanks to her uncanny streak of scratch ticket wins, often winning more than she spent. She took it all in stride, always quick to share a laugh and a smile.

Her favorite way to relax was watching The Golden Girls, a show she never tired of. When the time came to leave her home and move into CareOne, Frances brought her positivity and charm with her. Rather than simply adjusting to her new environment, she thrived making friends, spreading joy, and earning the affectionate nickname “Smiley” from staff and fellow residents alike.

In addition to her loving husband Salvatore F. Pasciuto who passed away in March of 2020, and her siblings Paul Ardagna and his wife Mary, Joseph Ardagna and his wife Lee and Nellie Ardagna.

She is survived by her children, Nancy Gath and her husband Dennis of Hudson, NH; Salvatore Pasciuto and his wife Caroline of Billerica; John Pasciuto and his wife Lorraine of Dracut; Christopher Pasciuto of Billerica and Lisa Colella and her husband Kenneth of Wilmington; 12 grandchildren, Philip Gath and his wife Nastasha of Hudson, NH; Michael Pasciuto and his partner Rena of Lowell; David Pasciuto and his wife Jillian of Barre, VT; Jessica Pasciuto and her fiancé William Figueira of Ayer; Nicholas Colella of Bedford, NH; Christopher John Pasciuto of Derry, NH; Andrew Pasciuto of Nashua, NH; Samantha Pasciuto of Laconia, NH; Lauren Pasciuto of Dracut; Kathryn Pasciuto of Tewksbury; Cristina Donovan and her husband Hunter of Loudonville, NY; Joshua Pasciuto of Billerica; Ryan Maskell, Ashland, NH; four great grandchildren, Noelle Gath, Jackson Pasciuto, Braxton Gath, and Bodhi Pasciuto as well as several nieces, nephews and friends. A special thanks goes to Bonnie, her home health aide for many years.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her visitation on Monday, June,30th from 9:30Am to 10:30Am at the Burns Funeral Home, 354 Boston Road (Rt.3A), Billerica, Ma 01821. Her funeral Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish at St. Theresa Church at 11AM. Services will conclude with a burial taking place in Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. To leave a condolence to her family, please visit, www.burnsfuneralhomes.com