Pearl Franchi (89), a long time Madera Business woman passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at a Madera Convalescent Hospital. Pearl was a daughter of Nickolas and Rosina Mondo Franchi who were well known members of the vibrant Italian community that had in settled Madera at the turn of the century. Many in the community will remember their business, Tasty Made Soda Works, a soft drink bottling company which operated here for many years.
Pearl attended local schools graduating from Madera Union High School. She along with her late sister Jean Hamer purchased The Maiden Lane Dress Shop in 1974 from Virginia Hart, which she operated up until her passing. It has played a major role in the Madera business community, one of the few remaining independent clothing stores offering quality merchandise. In the community, Pearl was a member of St. Joachim Catholic Church and the branch of the Italian Catholic Federation of the parish. She was also a long time member of the women's Soroptimist Club.
In addition to her parents and sister, Pearl was preceded in death by her niece Melinda Hamer. She is survived by a niece Kathleen Martinelli of Oakland, CA, by two great nephews, Paul Martinelli and his wife Janet and Danny Martinelli and his wife Maria all of Oakland, Ca. She is the great-great aunt of Emma, Julia, and Colette Martinelli, Anthony Bee-Martinelli and Sarafina Bee-Martinelli. Also surviving Pearl are numerous cousins and extended family members.
Visitation will be on Thursday, March 6, 2014 from 2 to 7 PM at Jay Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 7, 2014 at 11 AM at St. Joachim Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Madera.
Remembrances may be made to the donor's favorite charity.
Pearl attended local schools graduating from Madera Union High School. She along with her late sister Jean Hamer purchased The Maiden Lane Dress Shop in 1974 from Virginia Hart, which she operated up until her passing. It has played a major role in the Madera business community, one of the few remaining independent clothing stores offering quality merchandise. In the community, Pearl was a member of St. Joachim Catholic Church and the branch of the Italian Catholic Federation of the parish. She was also a long time member of the women's Soroptimist Club.
In addition to her parents and sister, Pearl was preceded in death by her niece Melinda Hamer. She is survived by a niece Kathleen Martinelli of Oakland, CA, by two great nephews, Paul Martinelli and his wife Janet and Danny Martinelli and his wife Maria all of Oakland, Ca. She is the great-great aunt of Emma, Julia, and Colette Martinelli, Anthony Bee-Martinelli and Sarafina Bee-Martinelli. Also surviving Pearl are numerous cousins and extended family members.
Visitation will be on Thursday, March 6, 2014 from 2 to 7 PM at Jay Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 7, 2014 at 11 AM at St. Joachim Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Madera.
Remembrances may be made to the donor's favorite charity.