Frances L. Mello

Frances Louise Mello or Mom, Nan, mother-in-law, aunt, sister, cousin and friend was born on July 2, 1929 in Poughkeepsie, NY. She passed away in Middletown, RI on July 24, 2026. Franny's 97 years have taken her on many highs and lows. She was one of 6 children...2 boys and 4 girls. Frances moved to Newport when she was 3. Her mother passed away when she was 14 years old. She has since lost her father, Herman, and all her brothers and sisters, Edward, Herman, Anne, Agnes and Mary. She has also lost her son, Raymond, daughter, Chrissy, and her husband, George. She leaves behind two sons George (Punky) and wife, Jane, and Peter and partner, Larry. She also leaves 6 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

At the age of 16, she married George Mello. By 18, Christine and Punky had arrived. She was very close to George's mother--learning to cook, the Portuguese way--even though she was Irish and German! Later, Raymond and Peter joined the family. They moved many times in the years ahead but Frances lived the last 35 years at her beloved home on Martens Road in Portsmouth.

She had many jobs other than Mom and Grammy. She worked for George Mello Excavating for many years, and also at Forest Avenue Nursing home. She was a very selfless person, always trying to make others happy and of course feeding them! You never entered her home without at least staying for a cup of coffee!

Frances loved birds but especially the red cardinal. If you have ever been in her home, you would have noticed the many cardinals she had...from coasters to knick-knacks, to cups and towels. "When cardinals appear, loved ones are near!"

She will always be remembered as a kind, giving, loving and thoughtful person--always trying at her own expense to make others happy.

Services will take place at St. Barnabas Church located at 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI on Wednesday, July 29. A private family viewing will be from 9:15-10:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am. A cemetery committal will follow at Trinity Cemetery, East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in the memory of Frances to St. Barnabas Church (1697 E. Main Road, Portsmouth, RI, 02871) or John Clarke Senior Living (600 Valley Road, Middletown, RI, 02842).