Christine (Ruggieri) DonFrancisco, 79, of Worcester died peacefully Friday, February 1, 2008 in the UMASS Memorial Hospital. Christine was a long term resident of the Golden Living at the Hermitage Center.

She is survived by her beloved and devoted husband of 56 years, Pat DonFrancisco; her loving sons, Perry DonFrancisco and his wife Dianna of Florida, and Jimmy DonFrancisco of Worcester. Christine also leaves her sister, Camilla Chartier and her husband Edward of Worcester; a brother, George Ruggieri and his wife Donna of Paxton; and three adored grandchildren, Christine, Peter, and Dia. Christine is also survived by a brother-in-law, James DonFrancisco and his wife Elaine, and a sister-in-law, Josephine Tamburro all of Worcester, and many nephews and nieces.

Christine was born in Worcester daughter of the late Gaetano and Carmela (Bastardi) Ruggieri and lived here all her life. She attended Worcester Public Schools and was a graduate of the David Hale Fanning Trade School. She enjoyed being a home maker. Christine was a long time member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St Ann Church. She was an avid Red Sox fan, and also loved to cook and bake. Her most precious times were those spent with her husband, sons, and extended family. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

Christine’s funeral will be held Monday from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St Ann Church, 24 Mulberry St. Visiting hours at the funeral home will be from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Monday morning only. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Please omit flowers.