Frances Pauline Tusa Falsone

Frances Pauline Tusa Falsone September 11, 1925 � November 14, 2010 Let God's love, which surpasses all understanding, be known in the passing of Frances P. Falsone in the "Hour of Great Mercy" on Sunday, November 14, 2010. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 18, at St. Jerome Catholic Church with Father Rakshaganathan Selvaraj officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 17, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel. A lifelong resident of Waco, Texas, Frances "Polly" Falsone was born September 11, 1925 to Joseph C. and Sarah Roppolo Tusa. Growing up in Waco, she attended Sacred Heart Academy, Waco High School and graduated from Baylor University. Polly married her childhood sweetheart, Anthony J. Falsone, on June 27, 1946 a year after his discharge from the service after World War II. They were married 64 years until his death on September 12, 2010. She was a devoted homemaker and raised five children, although one preceded her in death in 1972. They worked hard together to put their children through St. Mary's, St. Louis, and Reicher Catholic Schools. Polly supported these schools though active participation in parent-teacher organizations and Mother�s Club. After her children had grown, Polly worked as a substitute teacher at many of the Waco elementary schools. She also worked at the Hallmark Card store on Lake Air Mall for several years. If you knew Polly, then you caught a glimpse of what Christ's love is like. She was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, and friend who always placed others ahead of herself, even as her health was declining. In her retirement years, she enjoyed volunteering with the Providence Auxiliary, and was involved in many ministries at St. Jerome Catholic Church, of which she was a founding member. She was a faithful member of the Prayer Line, sang in the Choir, and would bring Holy Communion to those in nursing homes. She supported her husband in the Knights of Columbus and American Ex Prisoners of War. Even in her last months, Polly showed her love, not wanting to be a burden to anyone. Her enduring smile, sense of humor, and outward signs of affection to family and friends will never be forgotten. Polly was dearly loved by her family and will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Stephen Falsone, and sister, Lena Piccola. She is survived by two sons, Joe Falsone and wife, Carole Anne, and Mark Falsone; two daughters, Fransara Shoultz and husband, Charles, and Trish Dunn and husband, Cecil; grandchildren, Anthony, Anna, Chip, Sara, Becky, Emma, Jennifer, and husband Brian, Patrick, Haley and Hunter; great grandchildren, Chase, Miranda and Leia; brother, Joseph 'Bubba' Tusa and wife Dawn; and numerous nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers are Polly's grandchildren, who lovingly called her "NaNa". In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jerome Catholic Church. The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers that have helped Frances over the last 5 years, including those at St. Elizabeth and St. Catherine Center at Providence Park, and in recent years Anne and Paul Gibson, Sue, Rosa, Joycelyn, Rene, Catrice, Nancy, Victor, Debbie, and Maria at Eden House. Our sincere gratitude also goes to Stacy, Krystal, and the caregiver team at Bluebonnet Services. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.