Lena (Fracasso) Markrush: World Traveler

Lena Markrush (Fracasso), 88, passed away peacefully on Oct. 7, 2012, at the Cortland Place Nursing Home in Smithfield. Previously, Lena was a resident of Pocasset Bay Manor in Johnston, whose compassionate staff, along with the personal attention of her physician, Dr. Rebecca Brown, extended her life for five years.

She was born in Providence in 1924 to Luigi and Lucy (Del Casali) Fracasso. Her parents died tragically in a fire when she was five at which point she was separated from her siblings and raised by her aunt and uncle, Thomas and Anna Fracasso. Lena’s husband John preceded her in death in 2009 after 65 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her brother Andrew, of Johnston, and sisters Anna of North Kingstown and Rosie, who died in a childhood accident. Lena was employed by North Safety Products in Cranston for 24 years, retiring in 1995.

Despite her challenges, Lena persevered to become a devoted wife for 65 years as well as a nurturing mother to six children who will forever cherish the remarkable woman who encouraged them to pursue their passions. Always artistic and adventurous, Lena had a fascination for people and faraway places and in the process she left an indelible mark on her children and everyone whose life she touched.

With her camera by her side, Lena documented a lifetime of memories for her children and friends to cherish. Her love of adventure would lead her to be an ardent world traveler. She loved to travel the road less traveled. Everyone would come to admire the photos of her riding camel along the Dead Sea with natives, or having lunch with the pyramids of Egypt as a glorious backdrop. She had a "bucket list" before it was cliché.

We like to think that her quest for adventure lives on as she embarks on her new journey.

Lena is survived by her children, Joyce Kramer of Narragansett; Marcia McCullough of Johnston; John Markrush and his wife, Carol, of Warwick; Michael and his wife, Mary, of Foster; Kathleen Sousa and her husband, Richard, of Providence; as well as Mark Markrush and his wife, Roseanne, of Johnston. She leaves 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Her funeral will be held Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012 at 9 am from the Maceroni Funeral Home, 1381 Smith St., North Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St Thomas Church, 65 Fruit Hill Ave., Providence. Visitation Wednesday 5-8 p.m. Burial will be private.