Vilma Pecchia Myers Francesconi

Vilma Pecchia Myers Francesconi died peacefully at home on July 29, 2021, just a few weeks after her 90th birthday. She was a first generation Italian American and grew up in Eureka, attending St. Bernard’s Elementary School and graduating from Eureka High School.

Vilma had an extraordinary life. Her resilience was tested after her first husband’s sudden death, when she became a single parent and provider. After his passing, she returned to Eureka to be near family, and she found success in the retail industry, where she went to work for Daly’s. Next, she moved to the Bay Area for a new retail position, and from there she was promoted to manage her own department in Honolulu, HI; with the “Aloha spirit” always holding a special place in her heart. She then returned to Eureka and went back to work for Daly’s, this time as the Lingerie and Foundations Buyer. It was there she met her second husband, John Myers. After they married, she moved to Sacramento, and together they started and owned a successful lingerie retail business, which they ran for 12 years until she retired. After John’s death, she returned to Eureka to be near her family. In her later years, she and Leo Francesconi married and spent several years traveling and enjoying family. She was a member of St. Bernard’s Parish and was very active in the church for many years. She was also a lifelong member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West. She was an excellent gardener, a skilled cook, travelled to many foreign countries and throughout the US. Her wit and wisdom are a continued inspiration to her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborra Allen (husband, Mark) and her granddaughters, Elizabeth Allen and Stephanie Allen (wife, Dana Maher).

She is also survived by her extended family, stepdaughter, Sandra Taylor, and her children, Kim Oliva (husband, Joe) and family, Jeff Taylor (wife, Amy Taylor) and family, and Chris Taylor (wife, Melissa) and family. Also survived by her stepson, Bob Francesconi (wife, Mollie) and family, stepson, Jim Francesconi (wife, Shelley) and family, and stepdaughter, Susan Francesconi and family.

She is also survived by her niece, Sharon Carter, and nephews, Steven Pera and Dennis Pecchia.

She also leaves behind her close and lifelong friend, Peggy Van Doorn, as well as other close friends, Esther Allen, Barbara Hill, Frances Hill, Lisa Center, and many more.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert Pecchia, John Myers, and Leo Francesconi, as well as her parents, and her sister, Anita Pera.

We are incredibly grateful to her extraordinary caregivers, Lusi Vainuku, Becca Liufau, and Kelly Lund. The loving care they brought to her was outstanding. They became a part of our family, and there are no words to say how much we appreciate their commitment and caring. These women made it possible for Mom to live out her final years in her own home, which was her biggest wish. We would also like to thank all the wonderful caregivers at Hospice of Humboldt, their care and support was invaluable, and it made Mom’s last few months comfortable and peaceful.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 19, 2021, at Sanders Funeral Home, 1835 E Street in Eureka. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 20, 2021 at 10 a..m at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 615 H Street, Eureka, with internment to follow at Ocean View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Humboldt and St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.