Frances Filomeni Dragstra 89 years old, wife of John Dragstra, of Stratford, passed away peacefully on April 28 in the comfort of her own home. She was born into a loving Italian family on November 14, 1919 in Beacon, New York. Daughter of the late Michael and Mary Mazzochi, and joins her sisters Julie and Mary and brothers Tony and Mike. Frances was a devoted wife and a caring mother as well as a talented artist but would never admit it herself. Her crafts of knitting, sewing, embroidery, and oil painting are treasures that she shared with everyone. Most importantly, her family was her pleasure in life. She showed us how to be strong and enjoy the simple things that life has to offer. She leaves her loving husband John, her sister Lucy Rogers of Beacon, New York; her son John and wife Margaret of Virginia; her daughter Sandra Magera and husband Dennis of Stratford, and her daughter Gail Bilyard of Stratford. She is also survived by seven grandchildren who will truly miss her, including her grandson David Silcock, granddaughter Beth Magera and husband Robert Pascarell; grandson Joshua Magera; granddaughter Sarah Magera-Connelly and her husband Matthew Connelly; her granddaughter Jennifer Dragstra; her granddaughter Jessica Bilyard, and grandson Justin Bilyard; as well as, many nieces and nephews. Fannie will always be remembered for her smile, her laugh and her genuine love for everyone she encountered. Please join us to celebrate the wonderful life that was an inspiration to all of us. Funeral services will be on Friday May 1, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford and at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Church 497 Second Hill Lane Stratford for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be in Union Cemetery Stratford. Calling hours on Thursday (Today) from 4-7 p.m.