Anna M. Franceschini, 87, caterer

Anna Marchison Franceschini of Ridgefield, who was a well-known caterer in town, died July 9, 2005, at Bethel Health Care Center. She was 87 years old, the widow of Bruno Franceschini and the mother of the late Peter Franceschini.

Mrs. Franceschini was born in Port Chester, N.Y., on May 10, 1918, a daughter of the late Peter and Salomia Perich Marchison.

She spent much of her youth in Georgetown, and in her early years was employed at Remington Arms in Bridgeport and later at the former Gilbert and Bennett Wire Mill in Georgetown. She had lived in Ridgefield for more than 50 years, for much of that time on Craigmoor Road. She and her husband worked on the nearby estate of Anne S. Richardson, now Richardson Park. Mr. Franceschini was the estate’s farmer.

In the 1960s, her husband took over Luigi’s Restaurant in Branchville, now 59 Bank Street, and Mrs. Franceschini worked there. Later, she became well known in the area as a caterer, and had lived on Lawson Lane in Casagmo.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Church and the Italian American Ladies Mutual Aid Society.

Mrs. Franceschini is survived by a sister, Mary Archieri of Danbury, and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Besides her parents, husband and son, seven siblings died before her: Andrew Marchison, Mary Straiton, Helen Montanari, Joseph Palochik, Steven Palochik, and John Palochik.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday in St. Mary’s Church.

Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ridgefield.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association, 90 East Ridge or to the Ridgefield Fire Dept. Ambulance Fund, 6 Catoonah Street both of Ridgefield 06877.

The Kane Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.