Obituary of Antoinette Caroline DiFranco

Caroline Antionette DiFranco passed away peacefully on June 14, 2021, in her

daughter’s home in Pacific Grove, California at 101 years old. She is survived by Josephine and Sebastian Billante, Claude and Judy DiFranco, and her only surviving sister Renée Prosdocimo of Perpignan, France. She was born in Tunisia and immigrated with her three children in 1956 to Monterey, California to meet with her late husband.

Caroline was predeceased by her husband Vincent, her son Vincent A. DiFranco and his late wife Linda. Faith was a constant in her life, and she became a staple of the church community. Throughout her life, she continuously faced adversity but overcame obstacles including losing her son and husband through her strong conviction in God.

Known as Mémé to most, Caroline was a beloved mother, grandmother of 10,great-grandmother of 21, and a great-great-grandmother of 2. She was active and involved in all of their lives, striving to attend every special event and never forgetting to call to say happy birthday. She also had a large extended family, adopting many others as her chosen grandchildren through the kindness in her heart. She was the life of the party and had an adoration for all things music and dancing. Whether it be playing the piano, accordion, shimmying on the dancefloor, or jumping on stage with the band, her confidence inspired others and naturally drew a crowd. She was known for her infectious personality and generosity wherever she went, rather that was going downtown to get a pastry and talking to a stranger, or removing her own shoes for someone in need.

Caroline was an independent woman who thrived off of creating and fostering organic, sincere relationships by sharing her powerful, kind heart. Mémé will be greatly missed and her memory will live on in all of us.

Special thanks to the Central Coast Hospice nurses for their compassion, love, and aid.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at San Carlos Cathedral on June 22, 2021, at 10:00 with a recitation of the rosary prior.  A private family interment will follow at San Carlos Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Caroline’s memory to Hospice of the Central Coast and St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital.