I first saw Francine on stage at San Diego Junior Theater as the female lead in "Hans Christian Andersen" in 1996. I was 9 years old, and I was an usher (which meant I watched the show many, many times). I was in awe of all the older kids, and I remember being especially struck by Francine. She so beautiful, such an amazing dancer, and just SO COOL. Later that year, I was on costume crew for The Wiz, and I saw her again as the Tornado...again, she was SO COOL...but I never tried to talk to her or make friends with her, since she was an older kid AND a cast member, and I was a dorky younger kid on crew.

Two years later, SDJT did "Little Women," and I was cast as Amy, the youngest March sister. Francine was cast as Meg, the oldest March sister. I was initially a little scared of her, since I had spent so much time watching her in "Hans" and "The Wiz," but that quickly dissolved as I got to know her. She was incredibly sweet, kind, and patient with me (and as an 11 year old...I required a lot of patience!) Before long, the four March sisters of SDJT's "Little Women" (Francine, Agnes, Faith, and me) were like a family. In my real life family, I am the oldest, and I have two younger brothers, so it was awesome to suddenly have three older sisters...and especially to have one as cool as Francine. I feel so lucky that I got to work with her, learn from her, and even share the stage with her.

I lost touch with Francine over the years, but I heard through the grapevine that she was working for Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, and that she had directed some shows at SDJT. I am not at all surprised that she was working in politics, because she had such charisma and leadership skills, and I'm also not surprised she stayed involved with the arts, because that was such a part of who she was. I'm sad that I didn't get to know her as an adult, but I will work to honor her memory in the following ways: 1) staying as involved in local politics as much as my own energy will allow, 2) staying involved in the arts (because like Francine, it's a huge part of who I am), and 3) supporting the Asian American/Pacific Islander community wherever possible. I am so grateful that I got to be a part of Francine's life, even if it was only for a little while, and I extend my deepest condolences to her family. 

My heart broke when I heard the news of Francine's passing and since then I have not stopped thinking about her impact through her relentless service to our community, near and far. At the same time, I feel incredible gratitude and joy for the time we were graced by her existence.  Francine was a beauty inside and out.

Dear Francine: It was an honor to serve alongside you as City of Chula Vista Commissioners; I learned so much from you. The baked ham recipe you shared with me will remind me of you each time I prepare it. Thank you for showing kindness towards my sons and countless youth whose lives you impacted in such positive ways for decades. I will cherish your beautiful smile and incredible positive presence. Rest easy. ✝︎ Paz a tu alma, Francine ✝︎ 

Our most sincere condolences and love on behalf of my family ❤️