Conchetta Fratesi, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully at home on June 26, 2026. She was 90 years old.
Conchetta was born on September 30, 1935, in Tribbett, Mississippi. She was the oldest child of Thelma and Vince Columbus. She graduated from Leland High School and, after marrying the love of her life, Paul Fratesi, in August of 1955, moved to Indianola. Together they shared many wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with faith, family, and treasured memories. She was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Conchetta worked alongside her husband for many years. Her greatest joy was her family. She was a loving homemaker, a devoted mother to her five children, and a cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews. Known for her warm heart, generous spirit, and exceptional cooking, she made everyone feel welcome. Family always knew there was something special waiting when they stopped by, whether it was a delicious lunch or a homemade dessert. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She especially loved her signature “Cherries in the Snow” lipstick. Above all, she possessed a servant’s heart and found happiness in caring for those she loved.
Conchetta and Paul also enjoyed traveling together throughout the years and living on the Alabama Gulf Coast, where they created many special memories. One of her favorite pastimes was her daily walks on the beach.
Conchetta was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Fratesi; her parents, Thelma and Vince Columbus; her brother, Richard Columbus; and her sister, Mary Elizabeth Columbus.
She is lovingly remembered by her children: Paula Henke (Kurt), Gary Fratesi (Cathy), Cyndi Tyner (Tommy), David Fratesi (Tracy), and Amelia Dawson (Jim), as well as twelve grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Mike Columbus, Eugene Columbus (Carolyn), and one sister, Mary Calhoun.
Conchetta leaves behind a legacy of love and will be deeply missed by her family, who lovingly knew her by special names such as Mamaw, Chetta, and Cookie. Her strong faith and kindness touched many lives. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Indianola with a funeral mass following at 1:00 p.m., and internment thereafter at the Indianola Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Boone Funeral Home, Indianola.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Building Fund, Post Office Box 944, Indianola, Mississippi 38751.
“To God be the Glory”