Francine Carabbia

POLAND- Francine Carabbia, 71, passed away peacefully Sunday evening August 17, 2008 at her daughterâa�a��s home surrounded by her loving family after a courageous 2 ½ year battle with cancer. Francine was born November 24, 1936 in New Castle, Pa., the daughter of Frank and Mary DeMasi Rauso. She moved to the Poland area after getting married on November 10, 1962. After graduating from New Castle High School, Francine started working for Gustav Bakery in New Castle and then Reliable Luggage in West Pittsburg. Francine also worked at Nemenz I.G.A. and helped run the family restaurant. The job Francine most enjoyed was the 12 ½ years she spent as a food demonstrator at Samâa�a��s Club in Boardman until she became ill. While living in New Castle, she bowled in the Eddie DeCarbo Womenâa�a��s Bowling League, maintaining a high average and winning several tournaments. After moving to the area, she joined the Youngstown Womenâa�a��s Bowling Association, where she became a member of the National 600 Bowling Club for her 600 sets. She was a fantastic cook and enjoyed cooking for her family. She loved playing bingo and going to Mountaineer, but most of all spending time with her family. Francine left behind a great loss in the hearts of those of us who were blessed with the precious gift of having her touch our lives. She leaves behind to cherish her beautiful memory, her daughter and best friend, Michelle (Patrick) Hughes of Poland; two sons, Orlando Carabbia of Lake Milton and Michael F. Carabbia of Struthers; her former husband and dear friend, Orlando Carabbia; five sisters, Madeline Gurneal of New Castle, Gemma (Arthur) Thomas of Boardman, Vivian Rauso and MaryAnn Rauso, both of New Castle, and Regina (Carl) Chiafullo of Wampum; one brother, James G. (Judy) Rauso of Hermitage; several cousins, nieces, and nephews; and her granddogs, Kitty, Nika, and Gia. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Mickie F. Rauso; and her sister, Rose Marcantino. "You will be remembered each day right from the start for the memories that we shared forever live within our hearts. Those we hold most dear never leave us and you will live on by the love you brought into our lives." Funeral services will be held Friday at 9:45 a.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland and 10:30 a.m. at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Struthers. Friends will be received Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. The family would like to express their special thanks for the great care provided to Francine from Dr.âa�a��s Garg and Buccino and their nursing staffs. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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