Obituary of Angela Grace Friscia

Angela Grace Friscia June 14, 1917 - April 7, 2015 Monterey Born Angelina Balesteri on June 14, 1917, in Monterey, California, to Emanuele Balesteri and Josephine Scardina. One of 5 children, Angela grew up on the Monterey Peninsula in one of the Bay's first pioneering Sicilian fishing families. Her father, Emanuele, first fished the industry with a hook and line, and later operated one the first diesel boats in Monterey, the Julius Caesar. Known as Angie to her family and friends, she was notorious for her witty sense of humor and fierce tenacity. In her youth, she could often be found gathering wildflowers or chasing frogs around her home near Fisherman's Wharf. At an early age, she worked in the canneries packing sardines on Monterey's renowned Cannery Row. On June 25, 1939, she married Philip Friscia, of Boston, Mass., at San Carlos Cathedral, and together they lived in San Francisco and then San Pedro, finally settling in Pacific Grove, where she lived for nearly 65 years. She was an active member of the Catholic Daughters of America and Women of the Moose. For many years, she worked for the Pacific Grove Unified School District. Her interests included the Orchid Society, dancing, crochet, and knitting. She enjoyed a mean game of poker… and BINGO! She loved sharing life's memories with her family and numerous friends. A free spirit with a rebellious fire, she enjoyed life to the fullest. Beloved Mother of Rosa Cricchio, Josephine Welborn, and Phyllis (Ken) Kramer. Devoted grandmother to Rose Marie Cricchio (Enzo Chifari), Philip Crawford (Joshua Keels), Axil Cricchio, Sara Kramer (Chris Bays), and Kelly Kramer. Proud great-grandmother of Drake Vincent Nienow and Luna Grace Nienow. She passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on April 7, 2015 at the age of 97. The family would like to humbly thank, Anna, Larry, Omi, Marquita and the wonderful team of VNA Hospice, who provided much love and support in helping Angie transition on her journey. A memorial service to celebrate Angie's life will be held Tuesday, April 14, at Mission Mortuary. Guests are welcome to gather for the visitation beginning at 10 a.m. The memorial service will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a reception and buffet lunch. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider a gift to: VNA Hospice, PO Box 2480, Monterey CA, 93942, 831-372-6668. Please visit www.missionmortuary.com for online guestbook.