Rossana Iodice Cacal, 58, a dual citizen of Italy and the United States, passed away Friday, August 15, 2025.  Rossana lived in Denton, Texas, where she raised her family and shared her love of Italy with all.

Rossana is survived by her husband, Isidro "Ed" Cacal, Jr.; daughters, Francesca Aurelia Cacal and husband Ryan Parker, and Sabrina Valeria Cacal and partner Miller Montgomery; and grandchildren, Sophia Arianna "Ace" Cacal, Mila Carter and Flynn Giovanni Montgomery; siblings, Flavia Iodice of Bologna, Italy, Davide Iodice of Porto Recanati, Italy, Giulia Iodice, Sara Iodice, Giuseppe Iodice and Francesco Iodice of Senigallia, Italy; and countless dear friends who considered Rossana part of their families as well.  Rossana is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Giovanni Iodice and Francesca Pirozzi.

Rossana was born on May 12, 1967, in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, a small village near Naples, Italy.  There, she met her husband Ed, during a joint meeting of the local running club and the American Army base running club.  Rossana worked throughout her life in creative fields - as a clothing designer, caterer and in recent years, as head chef at several places in Denton, serving up both authentic Neapolitan pizzas and the finest dining in town.  Her favorite job of all was that of babysitting her young grandchildren in their infant and preschool years.  Rossana was also an artist, pure and simple.  Everything she did came out beautifully - painting, jewelry, ceramics, wedding and special occasion cakes - all done with the utmost craftsmanship.  Though shy about her singing, she could enchant you with her rendition of old Neapolitan folk songs.

Rossana loved her family beyond all measure, and found no greater pleasure than spending time with them. She loved her friends and meeting new people, and many visiting Italian students studying at the University of North Texas found a Texas home and a Texas mom and friend.  Rossana volunteered countless hours with the Italian language program at UNT.

Above all, Rossana had a boundless generosity and love for all of us. Her impact on her friends, family and Denton cannot be overstated.  We were truly fortunate to know and love her.

In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to an education fund for her grandchildren, care of @Francesca-Cacal on Venmo.

A Celebration of Life for Rossana will take place from 5pm - 8pm on August 30, 2025, at Dan's Silverleaf, 103 Industrial St, Denton, TX, 76201, a place dear to Rossana's heart and where she spent many happy hours listening to music with family and friends.  The family is grateful to the owners of Dan's Silverleaf for their generosity in hosting this event.