Mary DeFranco Obituary

SALEM - Mrs. Mary “Mickey” (Kobialka) DeFranco, 94, the loving daughter of the late John and Josephine Kobialka, died Saturday January 17, 2026 in Florida with her son, Frank and daughter-in-law, Heidi by her side.

A lifelong resident of Salem, Mickey was the loving wife of the late Salvatore “Sam” DeFranco with whom she shared 63 years of marriage. She was the loving matriarch of her family and was adored by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with whom she enjoyed spending her days. Mickey spent many years as a devoted caregiver to many children in her life — a role she took great pride in. She was a faithful woman who enjoyed cooking for everyone, dancing, shopping, going to the casino, and traveling to Florida with her family and friends. She was a vibrant presence and will be dearly missed.

She was cherished by her son, Edward and Gloria DeFranco of Danvers, daughter, Donna and late husband, Edward Seligman, daughter, Kathleen and Arthur Sargent of Salem, son, Paul DeFranco and partner, Lindsay Hurd of Essex, and son, Frank and Heidi DeFranco of Florida. Her grandchildren — Gina, Matthew, Jessica, Ariana, Patrick, Amy, Eric, Rhiannon (deceased), Salvatore, Trey, Hannah and her 16 great grandchildren. Brothers Theodore Kobialka and Joseph Kobialka, brother-in-law, Charlie DiFranco and wife Anne, sisters-in-law, Marie DiFranco and Martha Kobialka, Ray and Nancy DiTroia, the Laaff Family and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She is predeceased by her siblings Emil, Edward, Loretta, and Paul Kobialka, Helen Fido, and Joan Pierce along with many beloved family members and friends.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mary’s funeral Mass which will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 1 Margin St., Salem/Peabody line at 10 A.M. Her burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 226 North St., Salem. Visiting hours will be held at O’Donnell’s Cremations - Funerals -Celebrations, 84 Washington Square, (at Salem Common) SALEM on Friday, January 30th from 4 to 7 P.M. Donations in memory of Mary DeFranco may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralserivce.com. 

For those unable to attend Mary's celebration in person, Mass will be livestreamed. Please join remotely by clicking the link below: 

View Recording of Live Stream