JoAnne Ruth (Smith) Francisco

JoAnne Ruth (Smith) Francisco, age 87, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 4, 2024, with her beloved husband of 69 years holding her hand. Born in Wilmington, DE on November 7, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Robert Smith and Marie (McElroy) Sowden. JoAnne dedicated her life to her family as a talented homemaker. JoAnne enjoyed spending her time raising her children, and later her grandson, as well as caring for her brothers. She took great pride in maintaining her immaculate home. JoAnne could often be found in the kitchen cooking a delicious meal for her loved ones. Most of all, she will always be remembered for being the affectionate matriarch of the family. In addition to her parents, JoAnne was preceded in death by her children, Susan M. Francisco, Joseph R. Francisco, Sr., and Richard V. Francisco, Jr.; grandson, Joseph R. Francisco, Jr.; and brother, Jeffrey D. Sowden. She is survived by her loving husband, Richard V. Francisco, Sr.; son, William A. Francisco; grandchildren, Richard V. Francisco III, Kristin M. Andrews (Roger), Jonathan P. Francisco (Julieta), William A. Francisco, Thomas J. Francisco, Kathryn J. Francisco, Nicole C. Bolen (William), Alexander X. Francisco, Jacob V. Francisco, Taylor R. Haas (Casey), and William A. Francisco, Jr.; 12 great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Donna L. Francisco, and Tina M. Votta; brother, Edward C. “Duke” Sowden (Pam); and her caregivers of 4 years, Jeanne Deal and Diana Chandler. The Francisco family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and nurses at AccentCare Hospice for their compassion and care. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Brandywine Baptist Church Cemetery, 1463 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in JoAnne’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or online by clicking here, or to AccentCare Hospice, 17855 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75287 or online by clicking here.

JoAnne Ruth (Smith) Francisco

November 7, 1936 - February 4, 2024