Frances Anastasia Zito

Frances Anastasia Zito, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on February 20, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, to Joseph and Mary D’Achille, Frances was a woman of strong values, intelligence, and deep love for her family.

She grew up in Detroit with her three sisters, forming close bonds and creating cherished memories with family, especially during the holidays. She excelled in school at St. Rose, where classmates often tried to copy her math work—though she never let them.

Frances devoted her life to her family, making sacrifices to give them a wonderful life. She always showed up, celebrating every milestone with pride. She raised her five children in Sterling Heights, where their home was filled with laughter and adventure—backyard pool parties, carnival celebrations, and car rides packed with neighborhood kids riding to school with no seatbelts and at least 10 kids in tow in a way that simply wouldn’t happen today.

She had many passions, including theater, crossword puzzles, bingo, poker, casino, puzzles and card games. She loved to travel, especially to Las Vegas, where she was known for her incredible luck she could pick all the teams to win with if she traveled there. She had a special love for ice cream—no matter how grown up she became, a scoop would always bring a little girl’s smile to her face.

A devout Catholic, Frances attended church weekly and instilled strong morals in her children. She also had a deep connection to the Bella Luna, the beautiful moon. She would always call her grandchildren, urging them to step outside and admire it. Now, whenever they see the moon, they will think of her love and warmth.

She led by example—teaching kindness, patience, and selflessness. She loved deeply, not only her children and grandchildren but also her nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters, and friends.

Frances is survived by her loving children, Tommy Zito and his wife Jane, and their children Luigi, Bella, and Tina; Denice "DeeDee" Lovelace and her husband Jerry, and their children Jack (Kristi) Lovelace and Kennedy (fiancé Kyle) Lovelace; Suzie Zito; Christine "Crissi" Hueholt and her husband Steve, and his children Madi and Aidan; Anthony "AJ" Zito, and his daughter Kylie.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Tom.

Frances will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her wisdom, humor, and unwavering love will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on April 11, 2025 at St. Blase Catholic Church 12151 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The mass will take place at 9:30 am and family will greet friends starting at 9 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frances’s name to:

Hearthstone Hospice 
900 W. University Drive Suite A4
Rochester, Michigan 48307