Teresina (Tessie) Cesira (Biada) Franzoy, 98 of Salem, New Mexico peacefully entered eternal life on March 12, 2011 at La Posada-Mesilla Valley Hospice. Tessie was born on July 27, 1912 in Lover, Italy to the late Simone and Luiga Biada. She came to the United States when she was 18 years of age and worked in Brooklyn, New York as a maid, until she was 22. At the invitation of family members, she traveled via train to Rincon, New Mexico in 1934. It was in Hatch that she met and later married Alex Franzoy on February 24, 1934. She was the beloved wife of Alex Franzoy for 77 years. Tessie was preceded in death by her daughter Mary James, granddaughter Nancy Benvie Gunderson, her brothers Don Biad, Rev. Robert Biad and her sisters Caroline Antonioli and Stephanie Ossanna. She is survived by her husband Alex and loving children; Louise Benvie, Robert (Margie) Franzoy, and Rena (Nick) Carson, (Frank James). Her treasured grandchildren include: Sister Elizabeth (Betty) Benvie, O.S.F, Robert (Martha) Carson, Rosie (Joe Paul) Lack, Terry (Jeff) Snyder, Bobby (Irma) Franzoy, David (Gerry ) Franzoy, Rory Carson, Matthew (Corrine) Franzoy, David (Karen) Benvie, George Benvie, Ina (Efrin )Franzoy-Baldez, Peggy (Michael) Treadwell, Kit (Chelle) Carson, Michelle (Murray) Hanley, and Victoria (Cuco) Franzoy-Alanis, her cherished thirty-two great grandchildren, and her special eight great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by countless other family members and dear friends who were blessed to know her. Grandma Tessie, as she was affectionately known throughout the Hatch Valley and beyond, leaves a legacy of her deep faith in God , devotion to the Blessed Mother and St. Anthony. Tessie could often be found praying the rosary and taking quiet time in prayer. She always had a "heart of gold" as she offered hospitality, compassion, kindness and love to everyone around her. She wanted everyone to know how good God is and she would often say, "God is so good!" Tessie enjoyed talking to members of her family and about her family to everyone she met. Hospitality was definitely her hallmark because she would always make her company feel welcome. She knew how to prepare delicious and nutritious meals that would satisfy anyone. Tessie appreciated a good game of dominoes once in a while. It was clear that she thoroughly enjoyed grading chile and onions, watching the garden produce fresh fruits and vegetables, the fields flourish with produce for the farmers, and the flowers, especially roses bloom and grow. Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing on Tuesday, March 15th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a Prayer Vigil/Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lord of Mercy Catholic Church, 120 Hall Street, Hatch, New Mexico. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 16th with a viewing beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lord of Mercy Catholic Church, Hatch, New Mexico. Rite of Committal will follow the funeral Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery in Salem, New Mexico. A covered dish will be served at Our Lord of Mercy Catholic Church Hall in Hatch, New Mexico following the burial. The family requests that you extend Grandma Tessie's legacy of love and compassion by giving donations to those in need, encouraging and supporting family life, reaching out to Alex via visits or phone calls, and/or offer Masses for Tessie and Alex. A very special thank you is extended to everyone who has supported and prayed for Tessie and her family. We are especially grateful to the staff of La Posada-Mesilla Valley Hospice who gave Tessie such wonderful care.

Sister of Robert H Biad # 102723991, Don M Biad #92892019, & Caroline Antonioli # 88165233 & Stephanie Ossanna # 176831068