Theresa Marie DeFrancisco

Theresa "Chi Chi" DeFrancisco, 82, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025. Born in 1942, she was the beloved daughter of Joseph and Margaret Mauro. Raised on the South Side of Des Moines, Theresa carried family, faith, and community values throughout her life.

Theresa married Frank DeFrancisco, and together they raised three daughters who were her pride and joy. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who found immense happiness in spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She enjoyed a fulfilling career and retired from Nationwide Insurance, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and hard work. Her kindness, warmth, and lively spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.

Theresa is preceded in death by her husband, Frank; parents, Joseph and Margaret Mauro; her sisters, Joanne Mauro and Roseanne McCargar; and her brothers, Marty Mauro and Frank Mauro.

Theresa is survived by her brothers, Don Mauro (Lorene), Joe Mauro (Joanne), John Mauro, and Michael Mauro (Dorothy); her daughters, Karen Newcomb (George), Kelley DeFrancisco (John Rundberg), and Karolyn Lancaster (Tom); 9 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

She will be fondly remembered for her love of music, dancing like no one was watching, and her talent for creating fun and unforgettable memories. She found joy in playing Bingo and Keno and bringing laughter and warmth to everyone who knew her.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home; 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church; 5711 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery, followed by a luncheon.

Theresa's legacy of love, joy, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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