Birth date: Mar 7, 1940 Death date: Mar 7, 2016
Mary Frances Pop-Stojanovic, 76, of Gainesville passed away suddenly at her home Monday, March 7, 2016. She was born March 7, 1940 in Roanoke, Virginia to Pasquale and Mary Lucy Tomasi Torraca. Frances lived her life inspiring and Read Obituary
Dear Diana,
I was so sad yesterday to hear from Maylin Ashe that your mom, Frances, had passed away. Frances was one of the most vibrant people I ever knew. My most fun memories of our freshman year at Wesleyan College are centered around Frances. She hosted several of us at your grandparents' home in Gainesville—such an exciting university town; I hosted the group in Greenwood, SC, certainly a more small town experience. It was as if the lights had faded when Frances transferred to a larger college.
Regretfully, we lost contact. What a joy it was when, spurred by the Wesleyan 50th reunion, Maylin and I located Frances in Seattle! What a flurry of phone calls, emails, etc.! But then for me, life went on and, again, time went by without my contacting Frances. (Maylin did better.)
So I write you with my personal regret of being preoccupied the last couple of years, but with such a remembered fondness for your mom!
I loved the story of the cats being in Bob's and her wedding!
My best wishes to you,
Sarah Neva Calhoun Savage
Frances hired me into the American Cancer Society after a summer internship fresh out of college. I always remember her as a visionary, caring woman with a huge heart to meet the mission of the ACS. I have kept a photo, taken in her garden, she gave me on a thank you card nearly two decades ago. I'm sorry to hear of her passing and wish you, her family, the time and prayers you need during this difficult time and hope these words offer some comfort in fond memory.
I worked for Frances for five years at the American Cancer Society. My most memorable experience was her outdoor wedding to Bobby on that cold, rainy Seattle day...with her cats as the ring bearers. King Poppy was one of them. What a sight!
Frances was unique, supportive and just fun to be around.
David Allen
Seattle
Frances was a kind, caring, true friend who always encouraged me to be the best 'me' I could be, ever reminding me that 'Progress rather than perfection' was the watchword. Her love and wisdom gently but honestly guided me for so many years, enriching my life far more than words can express. Even when we were a continent apart, her voice on the phone or just the echo of her wisdom in my head/heart would bring me the comfort, support and courage to do 'the next right thing'. Although the love and wisdom she so freely shared will remain with me to be extended to others, I will miss her earthly presence terrible! Frances has been an important part of so many lives; she'll be greatly missed.
Diana, thank you for sharing Frances with us. You were the light of her life. She loved and appreciated you SO much!
Love,
Nancy Scheaffer
AUNT FRANCES WAS ALWAYS SO POSITIVE & INSPIRING! SKYLAR & I HAD JUST VISITED HER, AND WE HAD SUCH A WONDERFUL DAY WITH HER. SHE GAVE SUZANNE & I EACH A PICTURE SHE PAINTED, SO TALENTED. WE'LL BOTH CHERISH THE PAINTINGS FOREVER. WE ALL LOVED YOU SO MUCH!!
I'll never forget seeing Frances for the first time. I was at a woman's retreat for the first time. She was wearing a wonderful "Hat" in that most rustic of lodges. We met, and stayed connected in our journeys, one day at a time. That was about 35 years ago. I am grateful I knew her! She was a blessing to me and Diana was a blessing to my daughter. I am saddened now and wish comfort to Diana. Blessings.
