Obituary for Helen L Frongillo (Lunsford)
Helen Lunsford Frongillo, age 84, of Winchester, MA, passed away Friday afternoon, January 10, 2020
surrounded by loved ones.
Daughter of the late Bruce and Priscilla Lunsford, she was born October 22, 1935 in Brentwood,
California before moving to Winchester as a young girl. It was there that she met the love of her life,
James Vincent “Skippy” Frongillo. The two were blessed with 72 years of love and adventure
together; raising five children and ultimately celebrating 67 marriage anniversaries.
Helen was loving mother to David and Catherine (Enman) Frongillo of Ellsworth, ME; Peter and Peggy (McHugh) Frongillo of Old Orchard Beach, ME; James and the late Carol (Davis) Frongillo of Billerica, MA; Julie Frongillo of Reading, MA; and Lorraine Frongillo of Bokeelia, FL. Devoted grandmother to Matthew, Douglas, Michael, Dominic, Peter, Kristen, Lacey, Shannell, Jaimie, Molly, Melanie, Anthony and James; and great-grandmother to Alistair, Anton, Maximillian, Axel, Wyatt, Mason, Lucy, Brody, Mia, Cole, Gianna, Anthony, Bennett, Cecilia, and Curran. Sister-in-law to the late William Maggio and his wife Lorraine “Ginger” (Frongillo) Maggio and the late Johnny and Angelina “Ginger” (Morelli) Frongillo.
She received her education from the Winchester school system and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Winchester for much of her life, later attending the First Baptist Church of Stoneham.
Helen was a maker. She spent most of her years making a home for the family she cherished; preparing countless meals as she danced and sang along with the radio around her kitchen. She baked cakes and pies and cookies to share; formed countless meatballs for events. Her pepper and egg sandwiches were highly-coveted. Her hands sewed clothes, planted flowers, painted ceramics, created intricate needlework. She never lost her wonder and appreciation for art and craft and encouraged many to create for themselves.
Helen made people laugh with her matter-of-fact quips, affectionately sarcastic humor, and occasional silliness (although she would never admit to such silliness, only smirk and quietly chuckle when you pointed it out). She always had room for you. In fact, later in life, Helen was affectionately known as “Nana” even to those who weren’t related to her. She mended hearts with her thoughtful words and witticisms, and had a soft spot for animals, taking in and caring for many cats and dogs over her lifetime – especially ones in need. She loved playing video games and cards, rooting for the Patriots, and forcing everyone to enjoy Tennis.
She will be sorely missed by so many, but we are thankful for the years and good times we shared; as
well as for the memories and wisdom she left behind.
A service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 18 th at Lane Funeral Home in Winchester.
Memorial contributions may be made to MSPCA-Angell Memorial by visiting
https://www.mspca.org/donate-now/tribute-honor-and-memorial-giving/ and clicking “Make a Gift.”
surrounded by loved ones.
Daughter of the late Bruce and Priscilla Lunsford, she was born October 22, 1935 in Brentwood,
California before moving to Winchester as a young girl. It was there that she met the love of her life,
James Vincent “Skippy” Frongillo. The two were blessed with 72 years of love and adventure
together; raising five children and ultimately celebrating 67 marriage anniversaries.
Helen was loving mother to David and Catherine (Enman) Frongillo of Ellsworth, ME; Peter and Peggy (McHugh) Frongillo of Old Orchard Beach, ME; James and the late Carol (Davis) Frongillo of Billerica, MA; Julie Frongillo of Reading, MA; and Lorraine Frongillo of Bokeelia, FL. Devoted grandmother to Matthew, Douglas, Michael, Dominic, Peter, Kristen, Lacey, Shannell, Jaimie, Molly, Melanie, Anthony and James; and great-grandmother to Alistair, Anton, Maximillian, Axel, Wyatt, Mason, Lucy, Brody, Mia, Cole, Gianna, Anthony, Bennett, Cecilia, and Curran. Sister-in-law to the late William Maggio and his wife Lorraine “Ginger” (Frongillo) Maggio and the late Johnny and Angelina “Ginger” (Morelli) Frongillo.
She received her education from the Winchester school system and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Winchester for much of her life, later attending the First Baptist Church of Stoneham.
Helen was a maker. She spent most of her years making a home for the family she cherished; preparing countless meals as she danced and sang along with the radio around her kitchen. She baked cakes and pies and cookies to share; formed countless meatballs for events. Her pepper and egg sandwiches were highly-coveted. Her hands sewed clothes, planted flowers, painted ceramics, created intricate needlework. She never lost her wonder and appreciation for art and craft and encouraged many to create for themselves.
Helen made people laugh with her matter-of-fact quips, affectionately sarcastic humor, and occasional silliness (although she would never admit to such silliness, only smirk and quietly chuckle when you pointed it out). She always had room for you. In fact, later in life, Helen was affectionately known as “Nana” even to those who weren’t related to her. She mended hearts with her thoughtful words and witticisms, and had a soft spot for animals, taking in and caring for many cats and dogs over her lifetime – especially ones in need. She loved playing video games and cards, rooting for the Patriots, and forcing everyone to enjoy Tennis.
She will be sorely missed by so many, but we are thankful for the years and good times we shared; as
well as for the memories and wisdom she left behind.
A service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 18 th at Lane Funeral Home in Winchester.
Memorial contributions may be made to MSPCA-Angell Memorial by visiting
https://www.mspca.org/donate-now/tribute-honor-and-memorial-giving/ and clicking “Make a Gift.”