Giovanna (Torcasio) Frenna, 1969–2025, long-time volunteer at Our Lady’s Academy

Giovanna (Torcasio) Frenna of Waltham died unexpectedly Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Lahey Clinic Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, following complications from surgery. She was 56.

Born May 9, 1969, in Sambiase, Lamezia Terme, Italy, Giovanna was the beloved daughter of Luciana (Rizzo) Torcasio of Waltham and the late Vincenzo Torcasio. She was born, raised and educated in Italy before immigrating to the United States in 1990 at age 21.

Giovanna initially lived with family in West Newton for 10 years before moving to Waltham, where she settled. She later met Giuseppe, got married, bought a house, raised her family, and lived in Waltham for the rest of her life. Upon arriving in the United States, she worked as a house cleaner alongside her best friend, Maria. After having children and dedicating herself to raising them, Giovanna’s love and talent for caring for others led her to volunteer at Our Lady’s Academy in Waltham as a cafeteria worker while her children attended school there—a role she held for more than 15 years. She recently became a part-time after-school leader this past September, working with both kindergarteners and children of all ages.

Giovanna’s kind, caring nature and deep love for children made her a natural in her work. She was adored by the children she cared for, and she adored them in return. She was well loved and respected by colleagues, families, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Above all, Giovanna was devoted to her family. Her husband and children were her world, and she cherished every moment with them. She was extremely proud of her Italian heritage, especially her Calabrian roots. Always on the go, Giovanna found joy in caring for others through cooking, cleaning, sewing and crocheting.

She married the love of her life, Giuseppe “Joe” Frenna, at Sacred Heart Church on July 10, 2005. Together, they raised their family in Waltham.

Giovanna is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, Giuseppe “Joe” Frenna; her devoted children, Maria T., Francesco C. and Giancarlo Frenna, all of Waltham; her beloved mother, Luciana (Rizzo) Torcasio of Waltham; and her dear siblings, Antonio Torcasio and his wife, Lydia; Pasquale “Pat” Torcasio and his wife, Sharon; Salvatore Torcasio and his wife, Gina; and Angela Torcasio. She also leaves her brother-in-law, Frank Frenna, and his wife, Maria; and cherished nieces and nephews Vincenzo and Luciana; Rebecca and her husband, Kevin; Joey and Freddy; Alessandro, Luca and Nico; Valentina; and Matthew and Julia.

She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives in Italy and Canada, and numerous friends and colleagues.

She was predeceased by her loving father, Vincenzo Torcasio, and her parents-in-law, Maria (Alfeo) Frenna and Carmelo Frenna.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects Monday, Dec. 29, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home, 773 Moody St., Waltham. For those unable to attend, condolences may be shared online at www.BrascoFuneralhome.com. Parking attendants will be on duty.

Family and friends are also invited to gather Tuesday morning, Dec. 30, at 9 a.m. at the funeral home before a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 920 Trapelo Road, Waltham. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery Chapel Mausoleum in Waltham. The services may also be viewed online at brascolive.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Giovanna’s memory to the GoFundMe campaign established for the benefit of her children: gofundme.com/f/help-support-the-children-of-giovanna.