Maria M. Franco, 87, entered God's rest, surrounded by her loving family, on May 15, 2023, in Ripon, CA. She has been reunited with her beloved husband in the embrace of heaven.
Maria was born on December 2, 1935, in La Regina, Chihuahua, Mexico. She married the love of her life, Jose C. Franco, and embarked on a journey of 51 years of cherished marriage until his passing in 2012. They settled in Manteca, raising a family of four children, before eventually moving to Ripon to be close to their grandchildren. She and Jose were faithful members of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, lending her voice to the choir for numerous years. Maria embodied kindness and love, tirelessly devoting herself to her family. Her heart overflowed with joy when spending time with her children, showering her grandchildren with affection, and ensuring everyone felt cherished (and well-fed!). She loved tending to her garden and took great pride in her rose bushes. Maria's unwavering love also extended to animals, as she formed strong bonds with her many cherished pets and adopted neighborhood strays. Above all, Maria loved to love and gave selflessly. She walked a Godly path, as she had a true heart of gold. Cheerful, generous, and selfless are just a few words to describe her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, caregiver, confidant, and friend.
Maria is survived by her four children, whom she loved dearly, daughter Cecilia Franco, of Ripon; daughter Magdalena Franco and her husband, Kris Thomas, of Manteca; daughter Esperanza "Hope" Franco Carreño and her husband, Jerry Carreño, of Ripon; and son, Joe Franco, and his wife, Kelly Franco, of Ripon. She is also forever in the hearts of her adored grandchildren; Nicholas Trinidad Ball; Bradley Blaine Ball; Spencer Andrew Ball; Maurice William Ball and his wife Brittany; Grasiela Carlota Franco-Carreño Rose and her husband Anthony Rose; Diego Jordan Franco-Carreño; Elisabella Victoria Franco-Carreño; Emma Jean Franco; and Jay Carmelo Franco. She also lives on through her four great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind nieces Lucy (née Sáenz) and Luis Madrigal, Sylvia (née Sáenz) and Eddie Garibay, Carolina (née Sáenz) and Javier Galaviz, and Sandy Sáenz. Maria is also lovingly remembered by many more extended family members; many, many friends; and countless lives she touched.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 .p.m., with a Rosary Vigil immediately following at 6:00 p.m. at P.L. Fry and Son Funeral Home, 290 North Union Road, Manteca. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m.. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Manteca. Immediately following mass, she will be reunited with her husband, Jose and laid to rest at Ripon Cemetery. For additional service details and to contribute to the memory book, please visit MariaMFranco.com
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
