Frances "Fran" M. Posa

Frances “Fran” M. Posa, born June 27, 1937, passed away peacefully at her home in Pueblo West, CO on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, with her family by her side. Fran was born in Superior, WY to Leno and Edith Berti. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Enrico “Ed” V. Posa; brother, James Berti; children, Sam (Stephanie) Posa, Edward J. Posa; grandchildren, Christina M. Posa, Edward J. (Samantha) Posa Jr.; and great-grandchildren, Gianna J. Weigel, Dominick V. Posa, Weston J. Weigel, and Gino J. Posa; and many other nieces and nephews. Fran was preceded in death by her mother and father, Leno and Edith Berti; and brother, Jerome Berti. She was the eldest of her 2 siblings.
Fran was very proud of her humble beginnings. She would often share stories at a young age of “preparing” their family pet chickens for dinner, attempting to tame wild horses, washing laundry by hand, and her family dog (which one of her only memories of was the name her grandmother gave him – “Brutta Bestia” (“ugly beast” in Italian)). She would often mention the long walks to and from school in “knee deep” snow of the relentless rural Wyoming winters.
Fran attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie, where she would meet her husband of nearly 70 years, Ed Posa. As Ed describes, she chased him “around the football field.” If you knew Fran, this was her queue to roll her eyes and perhaps giggle a little. She recalled the day she met her future husband and went home to sit with her mother and giggled about his “funny New York accent.” After Ed graduated with his masters degree, he was offered his first teaching job in Del Norte, Colorado where they moved and rented a “tiny” shack. Fran soon gave birth to her first-born son, Saverio “Sam” Posa. Fran would say their first home was “very small and all we had was a radio, sofa and bed.”
One day the power went out in their home and Fran had some oil paints. She and Ed began painting to pass time which would be the catalyst to their future as Ed would become a renowned published artist with Mill Pond Press in Venice, FL. Soon after, Ed was offered a teaching job in Pueblo, Colorado at Corwin Middle School. She would live out the rest of her life in the Pueblo community. Ed taught biology as Francis held down the fort. Fran would soon become a mother again, giving birth to her beloved son, Edward J. Posa, whom she adored and cared for immensely all of her days. Ed went on to teach Special education at East High School and coach football. Fran was a big supporter of Ed’s football career and loved the sport.
Fran had a fondness for children and was employed with School District 60 for many years as a teacher’s assistant and paraprofessional, assisting in early childhood education. Her favorite assignment was Sunset Park Elementary School. Fran enjoyed scrapbooking, crafting, sewing, traveling, dancing and painting. She was a meticulous housekeeper and enjoyed decorating her home. During the fast-paced life of raising children and working, Fran would become the mastermind behind her husband’s art operation by accounting, framing, matting and critiquing his artwork.
Fran truly loved and appreciated the arts. She was very proud and appreciative of everything she stewarded and took care of her home and family as such. She would say “don’t complain about laundry, I remember washing by hand.” Fran and Ed would continue to sell Ed’s artwork around the country and loved the “hustle and bustle” of selling art and traveling to do it. She supported her husband like no other and enjoyed working and creating artwork and life together.
Frances was not a woman of many words, and her humble roots were always in her heart and mind. She loved her family tremendously and was a woman of grace, wisdom, wit and mercy. She always ensured that her husband, children and grandchildren had everything they needed. Some of her most common phrases include: “there’s a place for everything, and everything in its place;” “don’t put off for tomorrow what can be done today;” “according to Hoyle…;” “let it go to waste and not to your waist;” “don’t burn daylight!” Fran was often the voice of reason when things went awry and advice was sought. She always offered simple, wise advice and never over-thought the circumstances. Her family thanks her for leaving such a legacy to pass on to the next generations.
A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 30th, at Shrine St. Therese, 300 Goodnight Ave. In lieu of flowers/food, please send donations to Sangre De Cristo Hospice in Pueblo, CO.