With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of an incredible woman, Maria "Mary Sparks" Franco on Dec 25, 2023. Born on Aug 16, 1940, Maria, also known as Mary Sparks, was a source of inspiration and light for her family and friends. She is survived by her loving daughter, Victoria Franco, and her grandchildren Farrah. She is survived by her sister Tita of Loyalton, California and her favorite nephew Dale White, also of Loyalton California.

Maria graduated from high school in Loyalton, CA in 1958 and started a job at Hickory Farms in 1985 where she showcased her people skills and quickly rose to the position of supervisor. On Dec 7, 1993, Maria helped Victoria raise her two daughters, Farrah and Jenna, demonstrating her nurturing spirit.

Maria had a vibrant personality, filled with brightness and positivity. Her favorite foods reflected her colorful palate; nachos, popcorn, split pea salads, and huevos con chorizos. She enjoyed a Scratch Margarita, and her favorite authors were Abraham Lincoln and Fyodor Dostoevsky. As a lover of blues and jazz, Maria found solace in the music of Tina Turner, Nina Simone, and Ella Fitzgerald.

In her leisure time, Maria indulged in watching Golden Girls and Family Feud on PBS, and was a fan of movies like Pumpkin Head and Jeepers Creepers. Her artistic preferences lay with Thomas Kinkade, and she supported sports teams like the Mariners and the Sonics. Scrabble and Yahtzee were her games of choice, and she looked forward to watching her favorite opera, Nessum Dorma.

Maria was fond of observing hummingbirds at her feeder, relishing the autumn leaves changing colors, and cherished visiting the zoo and the Pike Place Market. Her admiration for architecture was evident on her Christmas decoration outings. Maria's favorite local spots were Las Margeritas, Scott's Bar and Grill, and Pike Place Market and her dream vacation was to see the castles in England and Scotland.

Maria's kindness extended beyond her family, as she supported causes like Feed the Children and the Humane Society. Her life mantra was always to act with kindness. Despite battling with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, Maria lived a full life and contributed immensely to society.

Maria's legacy is her undying smile and warmth that we see everywhere. We are forever grateful for the hope and love she instilled in us, and she will always be our sunrise and sunset. Maria "Mary Sparks" Franco will be truly missed, but never forgotten.

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