Mary Joan Francisco
Mary Joan Francisco
Mary Joan Francisco, 95, of Sun City Center, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was born on October 3, 1930, to Mildred and John O’Donnell in Newark, New Jersey. Having grown up in Newark, she then lived in Passaic, N.J., for 30 years before moving to Morris Plains, N.J., where she resided for 35 years.
She married the love of her life, Douglas Francisco, in 1951, and together they shared 65 beautiful years. Always ready for an adventure, they traveled extensively, but their favorite place to be was Long Beach Island, N.J. on vacations with their family.
Throughout her life Joan remained active and curious. She graduated from Montclair State University and later retired from Marsh & McLennan in Morristown, N.J. She loved to garden, travel, read, and stay active at the gym. Joan also had a passion for discussing politics and was known for her strong convictions and spirited debates.
Joan is predeceased by her husband, Douglas; her parents, Mildred and John O’Donnell; and her brother, John O’Donnell. She is survived by her devoted children, Valerie (Francisco) and Gerry Lano of Randolph, N.J., and Douglas Francisco of Tampa, Fla. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Tara, Gerry and his wife, Courtenay, and Laura Lano, and Douglas and Kimberly Francisco, as well as her great-grandchild, Logan.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the wonderful nurses and staff at Plaza West Health Center at Freedom Plaza, Sun City Center, for their compassionate care and support. We’d also like to extend a special thank you to Joan’s angel friends, Hanna and Pat, whose unending support and loving care made a profound impact on us all.
Mary Joan Francisco, 95, of Sun City Center, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was born on October 3, 1930, to Mildred and John O’Donnell in Newark, New Jersey. Having grown up in Newark, she then lived in Passaic, N.J., for 30 years before moving to Morris Plains, N.J., where she resided for 35 years.
She married the love of her life, Douglas Francisco, in 1951, and together they shared 65 beautiful years. Always ready for an adventure, they traveled extensively, but their favorite place to be was Long Beach Island, N.J. on vacations with their family.
Throughout her life Joan remained active and curious. She graduated from Montclair State University and later retired from Marsh & McLennan in Morristown, N.J. She loved to garden, travel, read, and stay active at the gym. Joan also had a passion for discussing politics and was known for her strong convictions and spirited debates.
Joan is predeceased by her husband, Douglas; her parents, Mildred and John O’Donnell; and her brother, John O’Donnell. She is survived by her devoted children, Valerie (Francisco) and Gerry Lano of Randolph, N.J., and Douglas Francisco of Tampa, Fla. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Tara, Gerry and his wife, Courtenay, and Laura Lano, and Douglas and Kimberly Francisco, as well as her great-grandchild, Logan.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the wonderful nurses and staff at Plaza West Health Center at Freedom Plaza, Sun City Center, for their compassionate care and support. We’d also like to extend a special thank you to Joan’s angel friends, Hanna and Pat, whose unending support and loving care made a profound impact on us all.