Frana Mc. (Mcdermott) Federico

Frana Mc. Federico, 88, of Columbia, wife of the late Ambrose Federico, died Sunday September 11, 2016 at Douglas Manor. She was born in Huntington Station, LI, NY, daughter of the late Crawford John and Florence (Hanson) McDermott. Frana loved her family along with antiques, dolls and jewelry. She could be found at a flea market or Goodwill. Creative, friendly always a warm smile. Always found a friend. She was loving and loved by many. Frana is survived by a son Donald Semmelrock (Andrea Ritchie); three daughters Rhelda Rafferty, Lori Ann Parsell (Wil) and Frana C. Federico; eleven grandchildren Nicole, Janelle, Joel, Caitlyn, Zachary, Brandon, Meghan, Emily, Carly, Vanessa and Erin; four great grandchildren Dylan, Abigail, Caine and Autumn; and a special friend Sophie Bauer who was always there to help Frana. She was predeceased by a son Jason E. Semmelrock. Frana?s family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday September 14, 2016 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St.,(Rte. 195), Willimantic. A graveside service will be held Thursday September 15, 2016 at 11:00am at Maplewood Cemetery, Norwich. For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com . She was a reputable strong figure to her daughter's to follow after her in many lifestyle choices. She had enough wit and humor to have her own sitcom solo. Every day out in the sun with a bird chirping was a true treasure. A sun ripened mango for a treat. A blue jay; a great day to be alive, and a whooping crane, deserved to be drawn out and saved as fine art, a raw sketch was the best type of art to her. Amethyst, amber and jade were to be treasured and to be highly regarded. Her antique dolls she recreated to be new as if she were treating her own grandchildren for a spa treatment. Mother goose liverwurst, because mother goose was the cream of the crop, on crackers accompanied with bread and butter pickles. Her quick-witted comments could throw anyone off their quiet composure, she could turn anyone's day around and make them crack with her humor, that was her trademark. That dainty Long Island accent she kept, always modest, and held her herself high and never let any man drag her down or take advantage. She wasn't stubborn, just years of callused strength, she had the mental strength of titanium, she didn't become jagged and ridged with bitterness, she simply rose above it and developed a higher respect for herself and treated others as she would want be treated. Never unsure or undecided. Was never coarse in the manner she spoke, never used any sort of ugly curse words, because she believed that spoke ugly about your character. She took an intense pride in her Norwegian Irish heritage, and she could tell you on a straight shot what any type of person they were by what country they originated from. She was sharp as a straight razor, loved her wedge haircuts "I prefer a nice wedge myself" she'd say, and I think your mother, it would suit her just as well". Mango yogurt popsicles on a hot day. Her fondness for Norwegian meals, and for the Irish red potatoes and cabbage she spoke with fervor. Friday was fish day, a fresh garden tomato a beet and homemade cup of soup, a nice fresh salad with creamy garlic dressing. Pumpernickel bread with fresh butter, hazelnut coffee at 5 o clock. She loved her natural stones and natural ways to clean, vinegar could cure any ailment & baby oil to refresh. The Ziegfeld Follies & Master Piece theatre, Little House on the Prairie and the Golden Girls. Hallmark channel and the food cooking network. She still was looking forward to trying a pumpkin soup this fall. A desired wish to visit the Waldorf Astoria. Her idea to do a children's cook book and have it published. Frana spoke recently of wanting to take a day trip up to Brimfield, Mass for a day trip out to scour the antiques, outside in the sun of Douglas Manor, to seek out the treasures awaiting her. No One could replicate her essence. You could never pull a fast one on her, she'd have already you caught in the act. She was a beacon of sunshine and took nothing for granted. She saw everything straight away for how it really was. There's a book left to be said about her, and I hope people that genuinely knew her will step up and speak of the fantastic woman that made up all the characteristics she was built of. She lived her life enjoying all the small wonders, and advised us to do what we thoroughly enjoyed, and why wait. Her fast departure was deemed to no prolonged suffering, to be fully aware and we need to hold on to our rights individually, to get us all as close family and admirable friends, to accomplish our dreams, everything we've wanted to do but have held off accomplishing.