Obituary - Nancy Carolyn King La Fratta

La Fratta, Nancy King, 96 of Henrico, Va. passed away Friday March 10 at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Charles La Fratta.

She is survived by her eight children – Carolyn Sternowski (Bob), Joan Kolenich (Tom), Larry La Fratta (Charlotte), Mark La Fratta (Cindy), Chuck La Fratta (Sharron), John La Fratta (Lisa), Mary La Fratta and Lisa Lillie (Todd) – 29 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren.

Nancy was born Aug. 13, 1926 in Knoxville, Tenn., and she was proud to have come from eastern Tennessee.

At the age of 19, she graduated from Berea College – a rare feat for a woman at the time. She briefly taught English at Stafford High School until her first child was born.

Twenty-five years later, after her eighth child started school, Nancy returned to college at Virginia Commonwealth University to renew her teaching certification. She became a Kindergarten teacher at Robious Elementary School, where she stayed for more than 20 years.

Nancy was happiest when her family came to visit, and she loved to sing with them. She was quick to share a kiss on the cheek and the words “God bless you.” She always had a Tic Tac to offer.

A visitation will be held at Bliley’s-Central at 3801 Augusta Ave. on Tuesday March 14 from 5-6:30 p.m. followed by a rosary from 6:30 to 7.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Gayton Road on Wednesday March 15 at noon followed by interment at Mount Calvary at 1:30 p.m.