On December 1st, 1932, Cesire Dell Osta and Ettore Gerometta celebrated the birth of Luciana in Cludinico Italy. Seven years later Luciana and her mother Cesire travelled to France to meet her father for the first time. The world was in recession and Europe was in the beginnings of a second world war. In 1952 Antonio Frank, a construction technician, surveyor, and a draftee in the newly established Air Force arm of the US military met Luciana while stationed at the Chaumont Semoutiers airbase in France. After marrying, Antonio and Luciana had five children Patricia (Pat), Joncarlo (Jon), Fredrick (FReD), Roberto (Berto) and Mark-Anthony (Marco). In 1973 the family settled in Minot North Dakota after living in two continents, four states and six airbases.
Luciana, through occupational training, became an orthodontal hygienist for over two decades she put braces on children’s teeth in Frankfurt Germany and Minot North Dakota. Antonio, after volunteering as a FEMA advisor to many North Dakota flooding events elected to accept a job offer from the Army Corp of Engineers. Soon afterwards they returned to Germany and then to Aviano Italy where Antonio contributed to building residential housing for USA soldiers assisting NATO during the Kosovo War. During that time Luciana’s fourth generation Casa in Cludinico was restored and Nonna Cesire was gifted an opportunity to return to the home of her heritage.
Upon returning to America, after the passing of Nonna Cesire, Antonio and Luciana returned to Minot. Soon afterward deciding to move not once but twice again. First, to Green Valley Arizona as a winter home and then twice, to Helena Montana as a summer home. Antonio passed away and Luciana stayed close to family in Helena. To fill the lonely days, Luciana knitted hundreds of wool hats for newborn children at area hospitals and then as gifts to be included in care packages for veterans at Fort Harrison.
It’s with a sad heart that we share the news that Luciana passed peacefully in the morning on March 14, 2024, waiting patiently for the gates of paradise to open. She spent many hours each day watching Catholic Mass and reciting the Rosary. Taking time to watch a few episodes of Gun Smoke and Bonanza on MeTV in the evenings. She was an instant and dear friend to all she met, and there were many. Often, our requests were for her to make a special prayer for us, as we knew she was always praying, not just for us but for all others. Rest in peace.
Luciana is preceded in death by her husband, Antonio (2012) and her son, Joncarlo (2013).
A Rosary will be said before Mass on April 12th, 2024 at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Inurnment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Rosary
Before Mass
Friday April 12, 2024
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 12, 2024
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Inurnment
Following the Mass
Friday April 12, 2024
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Rosary
Before Mass
Friday April 12, 2024
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 12, 2024
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Inurnment
Following the Mass
Friday April 12, 2024
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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reggie frank says
I am very saddened to hear of my Zia Luciana’s passing. Though we were often miles apart in our lives, I always cherished the moments our families were together. My sincere sympathies and condolences to Zia Luciana’s family and friends. Vai con Dio Zia.
Darcie Haider says
We had the pleasure of getting to know Luciana through out the years. She and Antonio made a great impact on our lives during their time in Minot. We were so blessed to have the opportunity to visit Luciana over the July 4th holiday last summer. We loved listening to the story of her unique life during our visit with her. Her life and memory will live on in us. Sending love and prayers to the family, she was truly a gem!
Joe, Darcie & Alexis