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WARREN -- Lois Ann DiFrancesco, 87, passed away on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Champion Estates Assisted Living in Warren.
Lois was born on Jan. 9, 1939, in Youngstown, Ohio, and was the daughter of Joseph Reda, an Italian immigrant, and Adeline "Lena" Reda. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and went on to build a career in the medical field. Lois worked at Trumbull Memorial Hospital and later for Dr. Marwan Rouweyha, where she remained until her retirement.
On April 19, 1958, Lois married the love of her life, Cosmo John DiFrancesco of Warren, whom she had met at a family wedding. Together, they settled in Warren and built a life centered on faith, family, friendship and tradition. They raised four children, all of whom graduated from John F. Kennedy High School and went on to become college graduates. Throughout their marriage, Lois and Cosmo enjoyed taking long car rides together, spending each year at the Warren Italian American Festival and cheering from the stands as season ticket holders at Scrappers baseball games.
Lois was a devoted member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, St. James Church, where her faith and desire to serve others were an important part of her life. She served as treasurer of the Altar and Rosary Society and became especially well known for her excellent pies and her contributions to the parish pancake breakfasts. She was also involved with Circles of Caring and treasured the friendships she shared with the "Queen of Hearts," her card club of close friends.
Her dedication to her children extended well beyond the walls of her home. Lois was a founding member of the Eagle Moms and other organizations supporting athletics at John F. Kennedy High School. Whether supporting her children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren, she was happiest when she could be present for the people she loved.
Above all else, Lois's greatest joy was her family, and she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking tremendous pride in watching them grow. Family gatherings, especially holiday meals shared together in her basement, became treasured traditions filled with food, conversation, laughter, memories and most of all, love.
Cooking and baking were among the many ways Lois expressed her love. Her Italian meals brought generations of family and friends together, and her sauce and meatballs were repeatedly requested by those fortunate enough to enjoy them. A familiar question from Lois -- "Did you make it with love?" -- captured the way she approached both food and life. For Lois, what mattered most was not simply what was made, but the love behind it. She also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, watching the horse races at the racino and following Cleveland sports. She was an especially devoted Cleveland Guardians fan. Baseball held a special place in her heart, and those who knew her will remember her familiar encouragement to her sons and grandsons: "Throw strikes!"
Lois leaves behind a family who will carry her love, traditions and memories forward.
She is survived by her children, Fred (Maureen) DiFrancesco, Kathi Jo (Aaron) Foreman and Joe (Ellen) DiFrancesco; her grandchildren, John (Stefany), Joey (Zack), Alex (Bree), Danielle (Josh), Dominic (Karina), Rachael, Erica, Gina, and Gabriella; and her great-grandchildren, Katya, Sofya, Georgio, and Lucia.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Lena Reda; her brother, Joseph (Sonny) Reda; her beloved husband, Cosmo DiFrancesco; and her loving daughter, Debbie.
Lois will be remembered for far more than the meals she prepared, the pies she baked, the baseball games she watched, or the card games she played, but she will be remembered for the love she placed into all of them. Her life was rooted in family, faith, friendship and service, and the traditions she created will remain part of her family for generations to come.
The DiFrancesco family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Champion Estates Assisted Living and Patriot Hospice for the dedicated care, kindness and love they provided to Lois.
Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Lois from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren.
Additional calling hours will be 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, at the funeral home.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-St. James Church, 2532 Burton St. SE, Warren, OH 44484.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in Lois' name, to St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, 3020 Reeves Road NE, OH 44483.
Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to the DiFrancesco family.
(special notice)