Wilhamina "Mina, Willie" A. Francescato

Wilhamina A. Francescato

Wilhamina A. Francescato, 89, of Dayton, passed away on March 29, at Westview Health Care Center.

Wilamina was born on March 15, 1915, in Bodarc Community near Harrison, Neb., to Millard and Caroline (Leeling) Thayer. She attended school through ninth grade, but interrupted her education to assist on the family farm. Wilhamina married Alfred Pullen in 1933, and five daughters were born to this union. After his death in 1961, she later met and married Pete Francescato. She worked as a waitress for many years and owned and operated a cafe in Harrison, Neb., for a short time, as well as being a 4H leader in Sioux County. Wilhamina also known as "Mina" or "Willie" enjoyed her family, homemaking, babysitting, and aiding others in family rearing. She was an avid gardener, enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting, and handicraft. Wilhamina was fond of poodles and at the time of her death left behind her faithful dog Nugget. She was a member of the Women's Society of Christian Services at the Harrison Methodist Church, the Sioux County Extension Club, and was a member of the Dayton Benefit Club as well as the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary for many years until the disbandment of the Dayton unit.

Mrs. Francescato was preceded in death by her parents, both of her husbands, her eight siblings, one grandson, and one great-granddaughter. She is survived by her five daughters; Dolores Briscoe and husband Pete of Sheridan and Dayton, Wyo., La Donna Foley and husband Don of Dayton, Wyo., Bertha Farrington of Torrington Wyo., Caroline Riggs and husband Karl of Parkman, Wyo., and Betty Murray and husband Lee of Alliance, Neb.; fourteen grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place locally. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on April 17, 2004, at the Dayton Community Church with Pastor Robert A. Logan officiating. Inurnment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Harrison Cemetery in Harrison, Nebraska on May 29, 2004 with Pastor Inez Foster officiating.

At Wilhamina's request, in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made, in Wilhamina's name, to the Dayton Fire and Rescue in care of Linda Lofgren, Town of Dayton, P.O. Box 100, Dayton, Wy. 82836.

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