Frances Mary Galante

Frances Galante, aged 103, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2024. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Frances lived a life filled with love, friendships, creativity, and unwavering dedication to her family. Frances shared a beautiful life with her husband, Eugene Galante for over 63 years, until his passing in 2010. She is also predeceased by her beloved youngest daughter, Marisa Galante Clark and her husband David Clark. Frances is survived by her loving daughter, Ardele Galante Shefchek with her husband Antoni and her loving son, Thomas Anthony Galante II. She cherished the time spent with her beloved grandchildren, Marisa Valerie Austin with her husband, David Austin, Devon Eugene Shefchek and his partner, Mallorie Flanigan, and Kent Anthony Shefchek with his wife Alessandra Gugliotti. In the last few years of Frances’ life she was fortunately able to experience joyful visits by her great granddaughter, Elliott Madeline Shefchek whom she adored. She is also survived by her nieces, Joyce Galante, Carolann Jacobson, Lana Zanello with her husband Thomas, nephew, Nicholas Galante, III and many great nieces and nephews. Frances was always looking for new challenges. She had a passion for cooking and entertaining. Her legendary traditional Italian Christmas Eve family dinners included 13 different varieties of fish which she prepared single handedly. Besides being a gourmet cook, Frances used her creativity in sewing everything from her own maternity dresses to outfits for her daughters’ dolls. She also enjoyed painting and developed a large portfolio. Frances spent many years volunteering. She was president of the PTA at her daughter’s high school, volunteered for the American Cancer Society and created a thrift shop to raise money for St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY. Our family is forever grateful for Frances’ devoted main caregiver, Jesse Cotto, who with her sister, Tania Cotto and others, lovingly cared for her for over five years in Naples, FL. We are also thankful for the kind, compassionate care given by the staff at BrightView assisted living in Columbia, MD where Frances lived since 2023. After a small private ceremony, Frances will be laid to rest at St. Agnes Cemetery in Albany NY on October 21, 2024. No flowers, please. If desired, contributions can be made to Frances’ favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to the charity of your choice.

Frances Mary Galante

July 11, 1921 - October 14, 2024