Francesca F. (DiMillo) Vumbaca

Portland-Francesca F.(DiMillo) Vumbaca, age 95, of Portland, Maine passed away peacefully on February 28, 2023, in the comfort of family and staff at 75 State Street assisted living facility.  She was born on October 17, 1927 in Roccamerice, Italy, the daughter of Giovanni DiMillo and Rosalia (DiNardo) DiMillo. 

Francesca graduated from Portland High School. She then moved to Washington D.C., working as a secretary for the Veteran’s Affairs, but after a few years moved back to her hometown of Portland where she met and eventually married her husband, Angelo O. Vumbaca, in April 1956.  They were married for 33 years, until his death in 1989. 

Francesca spent most of her career working as a medical secretary in the Portland area.  She was an avid reader, sewer and recreational artist.  She treasured her dogs, especially Tammy, who was her loyal companion and supporter after her husband passed away.  She loved traveling and especially enjoyed the seemingly endless day trips her and Angelo took throughout New England.  She had no children, but was very close to her siblings and really enjoyed family gatherings, and often entertained in her cozy, pine-laden backyard at her house on June Street in Portland, which Angelo, a mason, had built out of stone and brick.

In addition to her husband, she is predeceased by her parents, her two sisters, Anna (Mary) Fray and Antoinette (Barbara) Ely, as well as a brother, John DiMillo.  She is survived by her brother, Alberto DiMillo, of Sarasota, FL, and her sister-in-law Dolly DiMillo, of Scarborough, and 13 nieces and nephews.

She was a resident at 75 State Street for the past 10 years.  Her family can’t thank the staff enough for their compassionate and dignified care, love and support that they gave to Francesca.  They were remarkable in their efforts to make her feel comfortable and like she was at home while living there.

There will be no visiting hours.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 10AM at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home 660 Brighton Avenue in Portland.   Burial will follow in Old Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to 75 State Street Assisted Living Center, 75 State Street, Portland, ME  04101 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.