Maria Luisa (Amidei) Franchini

Maria Luisa Franchini nee Amidei, 81, of Highland Park IL formerly of Modino, Modena, Italy passed away peacefully at home on September 3, 2020. Mary Louise immigrated from Italy in 1955 with her parents and graduated from Highland Park High School. After working as a dental assistant, she pursued a career in hairdressing, opening a small salon in the basement of her home. She was a kind woman with a lovely disposition, hard-working and full of energy and a great spirit for living life to the fullest. She loved to travel, garden, sew, knit, and craft, and was an exceptional cook. She treasured spending time with her friends and family, especially her three grandchildren. She belonged to the Modenese Society, the Sacred Heart Guild of St. James Parish, the Bocce Club, was a Girl Scout Leader, and held board positions on the Italian Women's Prosperity Club. She battled her cancer and dementia with strength and grace, and always expressed gratitude for all the goodness in her life. She will be deeply missed by her loving husband Sante of 57 years; her daughter Lucy (Jim) Hospodarsky; her family and friends. She was a loving Nonna to Sara, Michael, and Daniel and a cherished cousin, aunt, and friend to many. A funeral mass at St. James Church was held on Saturday, September 5, 2020. Entombment followed at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville, IL. Donations in memory of Maria Luisa can be made to The Friends of the Highwood Public Library, 102 Highwood Ave. Highwood 60040.

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