Delfina Elisa Franco

1947 - 2017

Delfina Elisa Franco obituary, 1947-2017, Riverside, CA

BORN

1947

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Pierce Brothers-Crestlawn Mortuary

11500 Arlington Ave

Riverside, California

Delfina Franco Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 4, 2017.

Delfina Elisa Franco, 70, passed away on August 3, 2017, her birthday, in Riverside, CA. She was born August 3, 1947 in Roswell, NM to Elisa Flores Reyes and Fernando Reyes. She is a longtime resident of Riverside and Corona, CA.

Delfina grew up in Roswell, NM and graduated from Roswell High School in 1965. She married Pedro Franco and eventually they moved their family to Corona, CA. She attended Riverside Community College where she received her AA degree in 1982. She completed her BA degree in education at Cal State San Bernardino, graduating with honors in 1989. Delfina had a long and fulfilling professional career. First with the Riverside County Registrar where she served as the County Registrar. Then after retirement from the county, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a teacher and served as a second-grade teacher at Edgemont Elementary School, Moreno Valley for the last 19 years.

Delfina was very dedicated and creative in her work and transferred those values to her employees and students. Her students were very special to her. She instilled in them an awareness and appreciation of the world around them and strived to give them skills to succeed in life. She also nurtured this same education in her grandchildren and great grandchildren by having mini classes for them in her home during the summer breaks and taking every opportunity to encourage them to grow and learn new things.

Delfina is survived by her Son Raymond Franco and Daughter Deirdra (Armando) Rocha, Grandchildren Stephen Franco, Miranda Rodriguez (Daniel), A. J. Rocha, Marcus Rocha, Monica Rocha, Jimmy Rocha, and Cruz Rocha. Also her Great Grandchildren Desiree Rodriguez, Andrea Rodriguez, Ava Rodriguez, and Daniel Rodriguez Jr. In addition, Delfina is survived by her Brother Fred (Gloria) Reyes of Roswell, NM and Sisters Rita (Ernest) Montoya of Roswell, NM; Corina (Frank) Gallegos of Glendale, AZ; and Mary Ann Jojola of Albuquerque, NM. She was pre-deceased by her Daughter Jeanine Franco, and her parents.

Pallbearers will be Ray Franco, Stephen Franco, A. J. Rocha, Marcus Rocha, Mary Ann Jojola, and Fred Rey Reyes.

Services will take place on Monday August 14, 2017 at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, 11500 Arlington Ave. Riverside, CA 92505. Viewing will be from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Services will run from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm with internment immediately following. A reception will be held at the VFW Post 9223, 10303 Arlington Ave., Riverside, CA 92505 from 2 pm to 4 pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

September 7, 2017

Tiffany Ortmeier

Delfina had a powerful influence in my life and I am extremely grateful for her friendship. Listening to everyone's words at her funeral made me realize that the way she made me feel and the impact she had on my life, she also had on so many other people. Everyone who knew her felt like they were her favorite person when she was around. She was so kind and loving and the absolute best listener. I loved sitting around her table and talking about every topic under the sun. Watching her cook, watching how she loved on her family, and how she gave to her students gave me inspiration that I carry each day.
The way she lived her life is an example for me to follow. She made me feel important and loved as a 16 year old girl and as a 40 year old woman. I will always be grateful that I got to tell her several times how much I loved her and how important she is in my life. Now I want to tell her family - things they already know- but she will always be remembered. I will do my best to make others feel the way she made me feel. You were all so blessed to have her in your family and I am so grateful to have been loved by her, too. I am so sorry for your loss. I am so sorry that we all don't get more time with her. I am comforted that I will sit with her again someday. Love, Tiffany

September 4, 2017

Corina Gallegos

Delfina,

You were created by the Lord in a wonderful way. You are a blessing and no one can take your place.

Your bright smile, your caring heart--all the things that make you the special person you are will never be repeated in anyone else.

Your life had a purpose that only you filled and a difference that only you could make.

Having you for a sister is one of my greatest blessings.

Love you more.

September 3, 2017

Frank Gallegos

Eulogy

Delfina was my friend and my sister-in-law. I've known Delfina for almost 60 years, the last 30 years as family. Corina and I feel blessed that our living in Phoenix the last six years gave us the opportunity to get closer to Delfina and her family and to share many wonderful experiences with them.

Delfina had two passions: Teaching and her family. She approached them both with complete dedication.

She was very passionate about teaching. She taught seven-year-old, second graders for 19 years. She was very dedicated to her teaching and worked hard to help all her students succeed.

Corina and I had the opportunity to sit in on some classes and watch her interact with the children. You could see and feel that she was totally committed to them and they loved her.

She spent many hours outside of the classroom preparing and developing teaching resources to help her students learn. She had bins and bins full of personal teaching tools. Many of those materials she paid for out of her own pocket.

At the end of every year she had to move all her personal materials out of the classroom for the summer while they cleaned and did maintenance. Poor Ray, he had to do a lot of the packing and heavy lifting. But, not just Ray, she recruited Stephen, AJ, Marcus, and Monica to help. She even brought in Mary Ann, Corina, her aunt Gloria and me to help.

Before school started each year, she would have Ray, Deirdra, Miranda, Monica,and the gang help her get her materials ready for the new school year. It always happened close to her birthday, so she would tell everyone that what she wanted for her birthday was for them to help her. It was very important to her that the family be all together. It became a big party and therefore not so much work. Together they would put all the new materials in boxes and arrange them in the order she would need them during the school year.

She not only wanted her students to learn, but wanted them to understand and appreciate what they were learning. I'm sure there are a lot of her students out there who still remember Mrs. Franco's teachings and have applied what she taught them as they have grown to adulthood.

Delfina was very dedicated to teaching. She continued to teach for almost a year and a half after she found out about her illness. Her doctors finally advised her to quit. Even so she still held out hope of returning to the classroom.

Delfina also had personal interest in lots of other things. She had an attraction to certain TV shows and celebrities. Delfina and her sisters Corina and Mary Ann would watch Dancing With The Stars and would analyze the shows. A couple of years ago, Stephen got tickets for a live Dancing With The Stars show and several of us were able to go. What a great family event!

She studied and enjoyed meeting celebrities and great people--among them Cesar Chavez, Edward James Olmos, and Oscar de la Hoya. Their signed photos were some of her most prized possessions. She shared her research with her students so they also were able to know these famous people as real people. She would tell the children that they too could do great things.

Delfina's greatest passion, however, was her family. She was totally dedicated to them: Ray, Jeanine, Deirdra, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Since they were very young, she would work to make their birthdays or events special--whether it was a party or simply spending time with that child individually. During these one-on-one times she made that child feel like they were the most important person ever.

She used her craft skills to make events for her loved ones extra special. She was a frequent flyer on Pinterest. Birthdays and special occasions always had a theme, and she would go all the way to make sure of all the details. Ray's 50th birthday was a work of art. She made a guitar out of chocolates, and several other creations based on his interests. For Corina's birthday in May she had a Cinco de Corina theme, complete with a fiesta, olive maracas and juegos.

She passed on these skills to Deirdra, Miranda and Monica. Miranda developed great themed baby shower parties. Deirdra and Miranda had planned her 70th birthday party with a VIP theme. It had an Oscars-like atmosphere. Unfortunately, we weren't able to have the party. But Deirdra told Delfina all about it and she loved the idea.

As her first group of grandkids grew older, she continued to interact with them and stayed engaged with what was going on in their lives. She was blessed with a second batch of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was the little ones: Desiree, Andrea, Jimmy, Eva, Cruz, and little Daniel that stole her heart. Her passion for teaching transferred over to them, and she did all she could to help them learn and love to learn. She would hold mini-classes for them in the summer to help them get ready for school.

As her illness progressed, she worried a great deal about not being able to be there for her family. However, the memory of the wonderful person she was will continue to live in all of our hearts and will act as our inspiration always.


Graveside Eulogy

We gather together today with Ray, Deirdra and the rest of the family to commit Delfina to her final resting place beside her daughter Jeanine, whom she loved so much.

We gather to comfort each other in our grief and to honor the life Delfina lead. A life that was full of hope, happiness, laughter, and love...through good times as well as in bad.

This is the way we will always remember Delfina...that she lived her life as an example to her family, her students and each and every person she met. She showed us that love is an action, not just a feeling. And that the practice of giving of ourselves is the truest way to honor God.

Delfina, we say to you in the midst of our sorrow and loss, that we are grateful that you lived your life among us.

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand...there you will take your place beside Jeanine and all of your loved ones who have gone before you.

August 31, 2017

Deirdra Rocha

My mom taught me a lot! She taught me to have a sense of humor and to always see the bright side. She gave me so much great advice as a teacher, a friend, and a mom. She played so many roles but MOM was my favorite! She had a way of making you feel special. I hope I can carry on her traditions and loving ways so that I may pass it on to my kids. I threw out my back last year and was unable to get out of bed. My mom came to keep me company and she even made me cheese-ums. She was always there for me so I was grateful to be able to care for her in her time of need. I never thought my heart could hurt this much but I guess it's because she was loved so much.
Deirdra

August 16, 2017

Roxanne ~

Delfina, I was blessed to have you enter my life 42 years ago. I knew I could always come talk to you when I needed an ear to listen. You were such a loving person, never judged anyone. I will always remember our Celine Dion Vegas trip and how much fun we had that weekend, remember? I won't go into details cuz you know "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" I have so many beautiful memories of you in my childhood, I will always hold on to those. Rest easy my beautiful friend, this is not good bye because I know one day I will see you again. I'll love you forever <3

August 15, 2017

Dana Sabbara

Delfina, I wish I had the opportunity to meet you and know you. Your daughter was always talking about you and how wonderful a person you were. I could see the twinkle in her eyes and feel the love in her words. She loves you so much. I am sorry you left the earth the way you did. I'm happy to know you are with your parents and your daughter, Jeanine, again. May you Rest In Peace for all eternity. Bless you.

Deirdra and family, I am terribly sorry for the pain you are feeling from the loss of your mom. She is with the Lord! Talk to her often...she will be listening. Love you my friend.

August 15, 2017

Marisela Sharpnack

Deirdra, Ray and family I'm so sorry for your loss. Your mother/ grandma was a joy and full of life laughter and love. She will be greatly missed and I honestly will miss her smile jokes and the love she showed for each of you. Sending our Love The Rubio-Sharpnack family

August 15, 2017

Maria Castillo

My deepest condolences to my sweet friend Deardra, her brother Raymond and the whole family. What a kind woman Delfina was. I grew up with Deardra and spent many times in that home as a kid. She was a loving mother and giving to me as well. She let me stay in her home and provided me with food and comfort because I didn't have that in my own home at the time. Prayers for peace to the family in knowing that she is with Jesus and you will see her again.

August 15, 2017

Paul and Rose Castillo

I pray to God to give you and your family strength to deal with this situation and I hope that your mom is now resting in peace. We will remember her sweet face and giving nature, she will always be remembered for her pure heart, stay strong and we will pray for her and your family!!

August 14, 2017

Mary Barnhardt

Rest in peace my friend and my prayers are with your family.
I worked with Delfina for years at the Registra of Voters.

August 13, 2017

Family

Joseph Flores

August 13, 2017

Flores

God bless you, Delfina. You will be missed by all of us. We will always remember your wonderful smile and happy laughter. Love you always, the Flores family.

August 13, 2017

Joseph Flores

God bless you, Delfina. You will be missed by all of us. We will always remember your wonderful smile and happy laughter. Love you always, the Flores family.

August 13, 2017

Grace Nelson

My deepest condolences to Raymond, Deirdra and family. Delfina was a blessing and a dear friend. I will never forget her. We shared many precious conversations. We laughed, we cried and joked together. We always ended our conversations by telling each other I love you. Delfina alway had the last word: I love you more. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. I love you all.

August 13, 2017

Dolores Carrillo

Raymond, Deidra and all the family we wish to send our condolences. We wished we were able to be there with all of you during this time of sorry. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you always. Delfina always held a special place in my heart.

August 13, 2017

To the family of Delfina Franco: I was so sorry to hear about Delfina's passing. I had hoped and prayed she would beat this thing and come back to us at Edgemont! I have worked in education for over 20 years (more than 15 years as an administrator) . . . so I have observed many classrooms and I must say that Ms. Franco was one of the best teachers with whom I have ever been honored to work! I tried, on many occasions to implore Ms. Franco to consider becoming a trainer for new teachers. Unfortunately . . . that was not to be! My sympathies to her family, friends, and colleagues! Delfina will be sorely missed. Sincerely, Dr. Patricia Bazanos

August 12, 2017

Lisa Diggs

Mrs. Franco, I remember the many times that I can onto the Edgemont school campus and you were so warm and friendly to me. You helped me find the class that I was subbing for and your offered to help if I needed anything. Your mom, sister, cousin was the most caring person to know. She had such a kind spirit and compassionate heart. She was a great teacher, with such love and respect for her students, staff, parents and even guest teachers. She made me feel welcome on the campus whenever I was assigned to sub at Edgemont. God bless her soul in heaven, many prayers and my condolences for the loss of Delfina Franco. She is definitely a person I will always remember as such a sweet, kind soul.

August 11, 2017

Rebecca Wilging

Dearest Delfina, I remember my first day subbing for you. I remember your SUPER cute room always set up for your students. You had wonderful ideas and such a passion for teaching. I was happy to eventually work alongside you as an Edgemont Eagle. You will be surely missed and remembered by many!

August 7, 2017

Nancy Del Villar

So sorry to hear of the passing of your precious mother. I lost my mother on June 20th. I know the pain you are going thru. I pray that God gives you the strength to get thru this difficult time. Take comfort that she is with God. It will seem like an eternity before you see her again. But she is so happy, for her it will be a blink of an eye. God bless you and your family. Again, my condolences. Dierdra, call me if you need to talk.

August 6, 2017

Robert & Yolanda Garcia

Raymond & Deardra, Our deepest Sympathy & Love on the Home Going of your Precious Mom (Delfina). She had a soft touch and taught us that our God winks. As we receive a Wink from God, we will think of your Mom. Please know that you are in our thoughts and hearts. God bless you all.

August 5, 2017

Delfina will always be in my heart and all of you will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

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Memorial Events
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Aug

14

Viewing

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Pierce Brothers-Crestlawn Mortuary

11500 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA 92505

Aug

14

Service

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

CA

Funeral services provided by:

Pierce Brothers-Crestlawn Mortuary

11500 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA 92505

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