Franca was born in Grumolo delle Abbesse, Italy, on June 24, 1941, the eldest daughter of Linda Benetti and Florindo Berloso.
Franca met her husband, Milford, while he was stationed with the Army in Vicenza, Italy. The couple wed on July 21, 1962, and settled down in Saco, where they lived for 54 years. She adored her mother-in-law, who opened her home and heart to a new daughter.
Franca was quick to learn the English language and American culture, and found employment as a retail associate with John Roberts, Bass Shoe and Arline’s. She was always striving to help others, and cleaning homes in her retirement was one way she fulfilled her mission.
Though Franca suffered a tumultuous childhood during World War II in Italy, her outlook was that of appreciation, gratitude and forgiveness. She was the epitome of selflessness, placing her family at the center of her life.
Franca often mentioned the biggest accomplishment of her life was her two children, Michael and Scott. She never missed an opportunity to support and encourage her children and five grandchildren any way that she could, whether on the fields, in the arenas, at the track or cooking them meals. Her most famous dish was her lasagna, which would always summon her family around the dinner table.
In her spare time, Franca enjoyed knitting, sewing, walking and exercising at the Ross Center in Biddeford. Above all else, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, Florindo Berloso, of Grumolo, Italy.
She is survived by: her mother, Linda Benetti, of Vicenza, Italy; her brother, Vittorio Berloso of Paraguay; her sister, Adrianna Bozzetti of Vicenza, Italy; her sister-in-law, Reginetta Berloso of Longare, Italy; her husband, Milford Dube of Saco; her son Michael Dube and his three sons, Benjamin, Max and Brady of Saco; and her son Scott Dube, his wife Sheila and two daughters Morgan and Madison of Saco.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at Most Holy Trinity Church in Saco. Interment will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco.
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