Frances Marie Caito Navarra

Frances Marie Navarra, 94, of Carmel passed away December 13, 2024. She was born April 16, 1930, in Indianapolis, the daughter of late August and Mary Ann (Mercurio) Caito. She married Michael Navarra who preceded her in passing on December 23, 2013, after almost 60 years of marriage. 

Her life reflected her deep faith rooted in always trusting in God's Will in all things. Frances was a lifelong example to her children of living in sacrificial love. She always placed her children first. Without fail, Frances saw to their needs before she would ever consider her own.

Frances and her husband Michael built their family with a strong foundation in their Roman Catholic faith. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who will be deeply missed. And yet, Frances was even more than those successful life accomplishments.

Frances possessed a keen mind that remained sharp until the very end. Frances was an astute businesswoman. Some might say she was a visionary because she saw opportunities in business and real estate long before others. Frances and her husband first opened Mug’n’Jug Liquors in Lawrence, IN. She subsequently opened a second store in Carmel, Cool Creek Wine and Spirits, and a third wine and spirits store in the Oaklandon area. Frances also was graced with an innate loving spirit that was a unique personal hallmark. Her successful businesses flourished because she treated every one of her customers as if they were part of her family.

Frances was immensely proud of her Caito family origin and of her Italian heritage. She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice that could be heard at Mass every Sunday until she could no longer attend in person. When her mobility to attend Sunday Mass became impossible, Frances turned to faithfully attending the Sunday Celebration of the Mass online. She is survived by seven of her eight children, Charles “Chas.” Navarra, Francie (Neil) O’Mahony, Mary Ann Swiss, Theresa (Eric) Halvorson, August “Gus” (Suzi) Navarra, Anthony “Tony” (Laura) Navarra, and Michele (David) Roth; 14 grandchildren, Gina, Angela, Daniel, Laura, Ric, Kathryn, Nicole, Erin, Theresa, Thomas, Anthony, Sarah, Margaret, and Clara; and 8 great grandchildren, Trevor, Eric, Eliana, Sophia, Oliver, Dominic, Izabella, and Antonin. She was preceded in passing by a son, Michael Navarra Jr. and by her seven Caito siblings.

A Requiem Mass will be offered on Friday, December 20, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 520 Stevens Street, Indianapolis. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel, 325 East Carmel Drive from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm with the Recitation of the Rosary to be recited at 6:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.