FRANKLIN: Cristina E. Ferrara

Cristina E. (Colace) Ferrara, 96, of Franklin, passed away peacefully, with loved one’s at her side Sunday May 17, 2026 at AllianceHealth Maples in Wrentham. She was the beloved wife of the late Pietro “Pete” Ferrara, who died in 2015.

Born January 11, 1930, in Santa Maria del Molise, Italy, a daughter of the late Carmen and Carmina Colace. She was raised and educated in Italy and then immigrated to Montreal, Canada in 1952. Franklin, Mass. became her home in 1961 when she moved to the United States.Together, with her late husband, they created Ferrara's Market on Washington street in Franklin. As the business grew, they relocated to West Central Street in 1991, where the store remains today and is owned by her grandson, Joseph DeGaetano.

Cristina appreciated America and was very proud that she and her spouse achieved the “American Dream”. They worked hard & long hours, 7 days a week, where Cristina put her heart, spirit and talent into cooking every single day in the "back of the store". Customers entering Ferrara's Market were greeted with the aroma of her authentic italian recipes, matched only by the warm authenticity of Cristina's smile. It was heard often that she made them feel like family as she would lend her knowledge on how to cook the food they were seeking. With her Italian roots firmly planted, she remained curious, strong, faithful and as independent as possible, leading to her accomplishment of obtaining her driver's license and learning the English language. When she wasn't at the store working or attending church, she was found caring for her daughters, making their clothes and simply celebrating what brought her the most joy, her family. She loved spending time with her sisters and reminiscing about their youthful days living in Italy.

Family was the center of her life and the key ingredient at her dinner table every Sunday where they all gathered. She never gave up on teaching her grandchildren; whether by one Italian word at a time or how to make the sign of the cross. Bella Nonna gave generously to others in need, was a devout catholic who attended St. Mary's Parish in Franklin, read her prayer books daily and watched Italian soap operas when taking a well-deserved moment for herself.

Cristina is survived by her children, Valentina M. Kinch (William), Giannina D. DeGaetano (Peter) and Anna F. Clarke (James). Her 10 grandchildren, Angela & Nicholas; Pietro, Joseph, Antonio, Giovanni & Cristina; Vincenzo & Marco; Christopher. As well as 12 great-grandchildren, Ellie; Addison & Isabella; Kayla & Petey; Ophelia & Archer; Lorenzo; Arya & Damien; Gianna & Austin. Also surviving are her sisters, Angelina Taddeo, Filomena Colace, & Dolores Harmon.      

She was the mother of the late Maria A. Giorgio, mother-in-law of the late Michael Giorgio, and sister of the late Domenica Taddeo.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Friday May 22nd, at 9AM at the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St., followed by a funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Parish, Franklin at 10AM. To view the Mass stmarysfranklin.org

Entombment will follow at the parish cemetery.

Calling hours are Thursday May 21st, from 4-7 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to St. Mary’s Parish in Franklin or for their exceptional care to Alliance Health at Maples 90 Taunton St. Wrentham, MA 02093.

Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com