Frances Kaye Welsh

She was the one who tucked us in, recited our prayers, and stayed in the room all night to protect us from the boogeyman. She was the one who never missed a birthday, a wedding, or an opportunity to “just call and say hello.” She was the one who was ever vigilant against germs and kept us “safe” by washing our toys and clothes, and making sure our hands were clean before touching our dinner or playing with the baby. Always the Italian grandmother, she was the one who insisted her “malnourished” grandchildren had enough pasta in their bellies to sustain them at least until their next visit. Known to some as Frances “Kaye” Welsh, the one we knew as our “Nonna” went to be with Jesus, her parents, Joseph and Mary Trombetta, and her daughter, Erin, on October 11, 2018. There was nobody quite like her. Like the movie stars of old, Kaye had a “glow” about her when she entered a room. Her charm and genuine interest in others would draw hours of conversation from even the shyest of people, and her compassion and humility produced many lifelong friendships. Always the life of the party, she was so popular with her daughters’ friends that she was the one they invited to their social events. She was the one who cautioned us from talking to strangers, yet befriended nearly every stranger she met. On their first meeting, one of those strangers named Charles would tell his parents, John Robert and Marcy Welsh, that she was the one who would soon be his wife. She was the one to become his companion for 61 wonderful years of marriage, his travel partner to 5 countries, and the mother to four of the world’s most beautiful daughters, one of whom she has joined in heaven. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Kaye worked for Southwestern Electric Power Co. where she met Charles Welsh, son of the company president. After marrying, the couple spent time in South Bend, Indiana and New Orleans where Charles obtained his masters and juris doctorate. They returned to Bossier City to raise their three daughters, and where Kaye also served as president to both the Garden Club and Parish Bar Association Ladies’ Auxiliary. They remained in Louisiana until 1999 when they moved to Smyrna, Georgia to be closer to their daughters, Marion and Kelli. Growing older had no impact on how much she loved or how she showed it. She always had the last “I love you” before hanging up the phone and only after receiving audible kisses, even from her adult grandsons. She possessed the soul of a child, but also the wisdom to advise her own children through some of life’s toughest obstacles. Her advice was often the simple yet effective: “trust in the Heavenly Father” and “know that Nonna loves you.” Kaye’s memory lives on in the hearts of her husband, Charles Welsh, her daughters, Marion, Karol and Kelli, her sister, Sara Brocato, and six grandchildren Steven, Michael, Patrick, Katie, Joe and Kelli, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She also cherished being called the “Other Mother“to special close friends. Steven and Katie were grateful their Nonna was able to meet their spouses, Chelsea and Mish, before leaving for heaven. While her family on earth is struggling immensely with the loss of her presence, we are comforted by the fact that her spirit is still with us in everything we do. "A memorial service for Kaye will be held in Atlanta, Georgia on November 19th" with the Following: A Funeral Mass for Kaye will be November 19th at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Smyrna, Georgia at 3:00pm. Memorial Donations may be made in Mrs. Welsh's name to the following organizations: St Jude Childrens Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) and/or St. Labre Indian School (www.stlabre.org)