Francis & Louise (Sacco) DeMarchi Fund

The Francis & Louise (Sacco) DeMarchi Fund was established upon the death in 2006 of Louise DeMarchi. Francis DeMarchi passed away in 1981. Their family established this fund in order to commemorate both their parent’s lives.

As a daughter and sister, Louise Mary DeMarchi was fiercely loyal to her family. She adored her parents and frequently regaled her family with stories about them. She was a “pal” to her older brother, Jerome, and protective of her baby sisters, Rose and Helen, and younger brother Kelly. She treasured the special bond with her family throughout her life.

Her heart was captured by Francis DeMarchi, whom she married on June 28, 1941. Theirs was a fairy tale marriage, which lasted nearly forty years. Eleven years her senior, he gave up all of his personal pursuits and kept her on a pedestal throughout their married life. He was the love of her life, and although disagreements exist in any marriage, they were never seen arguing by anyone.

Having been told that she could never have children as the result of an automobile accident when she was sixteen, Louise’s joy was made complete when she gave birth to her eldest daughter, Karen Louise, on January 28, 1943. Fifteen months later, on April 11, 1944, she was further blessed with a second daughter, Jane Rose. Louise and Fran lived for each other and their girls – their only regret that they were unable to have more children.

The crowning jewels of their life together were the births of their six grandchildren – their grandson, Russell, – the son they never had and their six granddaughters: Ellen, Danielle, Cara, Kristin and Holly. Later in life Louise delighted in the births of her seven great-grandchildren.

Louise had a zest for life, which she shared with her family, friends and all whom she met. It was not unusual for her to bring a stranger she met home for dinner, and Fran, loving her so, accepted whatever she did – including knocking down part of their kitchen wall with a hammer. Her Halloween open house was legendary, and many people have experienced her generosity and zest for life.

Louise bore her final illness with the same grace and dignity that she exhibited throughout her life. Never complaining and every inch a lady, she appreciated every kindness that was extended to her and never wished to be a bother to anyone. This fund has a preference for a student attending Merrimack College.