Frances Ann Russo-Kister "Fran" (nee Messina), baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection Sat., May 6, 2023.
Beloved wife of the late Matthew Russo and James Kister; dear mother and mother-in-law of John (Nancy) Russo, Linda (Tom) Reis, Mark (Mary) Russo, Tom (Karen) Russo and Mike (Amy) Russo; dear grandmother of Suzanne (Dave) Flaiz, Jennifer (Joe) Nahm, Katherine (Tim) McMillen, Angela Taylor, Lauren (Curtis) Wilson, Kevin Reis, Julia (John) Fitzpatrick, Marisa (Patrick) Sweeney, Madeline Rose Russo, Matthew Russo, Tommy (Ashlyn) Russo, Abby Russo, Alexander Russo, Anthony Russo and Jacob Russo; dear great grandmother of Matthew and Madeline Brinker, Grace and Max McMillen, Jack Thomas and Alexandria Rose Wilson, Sullivan Mark Fitzpatrick and Finnegan Salvatore Sweeney; dear stepmother of James Kister Jr., Mickey Robertaccio, Theresa Leone and Barney Kister; our dear step-grandmother of Trey Kister, Alex Kister Annie Kister, Teresa Robertaccio Sarah Custer, Ellen Wertenberger, Samantha Emerson, Kristin Santoro and Michelle Carpenter , aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend.

Frances Ann Messina, beloved daughter of the late Sam and Agatha Messina, was born in St. Louis Missouri in 1926. She grew up in University City MO, born of Sicilian immigrants. She had two brothers, John and Sam who preceded her in death. She proudly graduated from University City High School. She attended Miss Hickey's Secretarial School and began her career working at ATT for (Lyle Wagner's dad from the Carol Burnett Show.)

She met her husband Matteo Russo and they were married in 1948. They made their home in Ferguson, MO in 1952 where they raised their five children. They opened Green Lea Ice Cream and Fran and Matt's Candy Shop that featured hand-dipped ice cream (5 cents a scoop!), homemade candy, great burgers, milk shakes and fries. It was the "Happy Days "place to be before Richie Cunningham and the Fonz ever appeared. The jukebox had all the latest hits and the pinball machines were always clanging away. It was a popular hangout for students from Ferguson High and other surrounding schools. Eventually they went on to establish Meramec Cafeteria in the Clayton business district and grew into Russo Catering Company. Management and operation of Creve Coeur Country Club began in 1971 and after the death of her husband Matteo in 1979, Fran became a contributing partner in the family business eventually working with all 5 of her children.

She then married James Kister, her friend of many years, in 1983 who had four children of his own. And this blended family survived another 30+ years. And yes, Jim Kister was very active in the catering business on weekends as well. The country club closed in 2001 after 30 years of operation and was followed by the opening of Spazio Wesport the same year. The culmination of the above lead to the development and opening of "Piazza Messina", (Fran's namesake) in 2018 located in Cottleville, MO. Fran was the inspiration, motivation and catalyst behind Piazza Messina as a unique lakeside special events venue that is popular for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, reunions, and lakeside entertainment.

Fran was involved in the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus and in her faith community at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. She also was an avid bowler and an excellent cook.

Fran lived a very active and purposeful life. To those close to her she was a mentor and role model, especially to her deaf daughter Linda who she taught to speak. Fran will be remembered for her energetic approach to everything she did, her warm smile, infectious laugh and commitment to her family. We will miss her magnetic personality, her social vivaciousness, and her zest for living.

She died peacefully surrounded by her family who gathered together and prayed the rosary at her bedside in her final hour.

Frances donated her body to Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

Fran's life will be celebrated at a Memorial Mass of the resurrection at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 7701 Town Square Ave. Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368 on Tues., May 23, 11a.m. Mass. Visitation one hour prior. Luncheon to follow Mass at Piazza Messina, 5535 State Highway N, Cottleville MO.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital appreciated.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home osfuneralhomes.com