Published August 23, 2019
HAVERHILL — Frances T. (Colantuone) LaVita, 89, of Haverhill, formerly of Melrose, passed away at the Wingate at Haverhill on August 12, 2019.
Frances was born and raised in East Boston, a graduate of East Boston High School, Class of 1947 and went on to attend business school. She resided in Melrose for 34 years, Stoneham for 15 years, Saugus for eight years, Peabody for five years and the past year in Haverhill. Frances worked as a school bus driver for the city of Melrose for 15 years before her retirement.
She was a kind and loyal friend to many and a member of the East Boston Sons of Italy. Frances enjoyed the book club, playing cards with her best friend Vivian LaVita and dancing with the Broadway Twirlers in Malden. She loved traveling to Hawaii, Atlantic City, Las Vegas and going on cruises with her family and friends.
Frances volunteered at the Horace Mann and Lincoln Schools in Melrose teaching reading and math and she enjoyed spending time at the family home in Alton Bay, N.H, and then Lake Attitash in Amesbury.
Frances resided with her son Joseph and his wife Debra who gave her love and care for many years.
She was the beloved wife of the late Anthony P. LaVita for over 40 years. Loving mother of David LaVita and his wife Karen of Tewksbury, Anthony LaVita and his wife Maryjane of Beverly, Joseph LaVita and his wife Debra of Haverhill and the late Ronald LaVita. Caring sister of John Colantuone of Fla. and the late Joseph Colantuone and his wife Joanne of N.H. Also survived by seven grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Friday, August 23 from 4-7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the Gately Funeral Home on Saturday, August 24 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial in Holy Cross Mausoleum in Malden.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the ALS Foundation for life, P.O. Box 504, Franklin, MA 02038. For directions and to sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com
