Franca Iole Panone

Franca Iole Panone, Beloved wife of Boridano Panone, passed on May 9, 2026, in her home in the presence of her loving family at the age of 96. They shared 72 years of marriage and have 6 children, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Her devoted children John (Rosemary) Panone, Gina Panone, Diane Panone-Smith (David), Linda Panone, Richard (Maureen) Panone, and Bernard (Brenda) Panone; loving grandchildren Daniel (Trisha) Panone, Nicholas (Diana) Panone, Brian (Rebecca) Panone, Christopher Panone, Sarah (William) Madsen, Jessica Panone, and Alex Panone; treasured great grandchildren are Samuel and Annie Panone. She was also loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness and devotion to family. Franca was born in Nervesa, Italy, to Giovanni and Luigia Trevisi on July 11, 1929. At the age of 18, she immigrated to the United States with her mother, sister Gina Trevisi, and brother Ferruccio Trevisi. They joined Giovanni, who had been working in Flint, Michigan. Franca found employment in the cafeteria at a local hospital until she married Boridano on August 8, 1953. Franca was a devoted wife, mother, and a woman of exceptional kindness and compassion. A devout Catholic of deep faith, she lived by her beliefs through service to others. After raising her children, she volunteered at Fr. Murray's Nursing Home, where she assisted residents during mealtimes and brought them the gift of holy communion. when asked why she volunteered, she replied simply and sincerely: "I really enjoy helping people. It gives me a good feeling." Through her example of faithful devotion and selfless service, Franca instilled in her children the same warmth and care that defined her life. In her later years, she found immeasurable joy in the company of her grandchildren, and pure delight in welcoming her great-grandchildren. Special thanks to Nicole Lockhart, devoted friend and caregiver, for the compassionate and exceptional care she provided to Franca over the past four years, especially during her final days. Visitation is at the Wasik Funeral Home 49150 Schoenherr Rd., Shelby Township on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. In state at 9:30 a.m. at St. Isidore Catholic Church followed by 10:00 a.m. Mass. Entombment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requested that donations in honor of Franca be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (ssvpusa.org) or to the Solanus Casey Center (solanuscasey.org).

Franca Iole Panone

July 11, 1929 - May 9, 2026