Obituaries

Barbara J. Franco

3/15/1939 - 9/1/2024

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Obituary For Barbara J. Franco

Barbara J. Franco

March 15, 1939-Sept. 1, 2024

Barbara J. Franco, 85, was unexpectedly called home to join her heavenly family on Sunday, September 1, 2024. As the Irish proverb states, “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” If this be the case, then Barb’s influence will not soon fade. She was a wonderfully loving, intelligent, fun, kind, thoughtful woman treasured by all who knew her.

She is survived by husband Alex Franco, the love of her life and dance partner of 64 years; her four children, Julie Stevens (Hal) of Tampa, Florida, Joseph Franco (Brenda) of Altoona, Mikey Franco (Jen) of Jackson, Wyoming, and Jennifer Rosenberry (Doug) of Altoona; her grandchildren, Shaun, Ryan, Caitlin, Matt, Lizza, Eli, and Ally; her great grandchildren, Ethan, Pyper, Tessa, Savy, Ivory, Rowan, and Charlotte; sisters, Kay Graffius and Jeannie Workinger; and numerous cherished nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sister Shirley Workinger, brother Marty Hughes, and daughter-in-law Jonna Franco.

Daughter of the late Martin and Verda Hughes, Barb was a 1957 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School. She retired after working many years at Household Finance as an administrative assistant to several respected bosses, the most of which being Jack McDougal. Although she was proud of her profession, her most gratifying lifework was as a wife, mother, “nana,” friend, aunt, cousin, and sister.

Barb was a faithful member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church where she served in the Christian Mothers, sang in the choir, and volunteered in many other respects. Besides her family, she loved her card club, Country Friends line dancing partners, and fellow members of “The Clique.” An avid cook, Barb’s specialty was her meatballs. She loved to travel and enjoyed new adventures.

Friends will be received from 3:00-7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 4, at the Stevens Mortuary, 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2716 Broad Avenue, Altoona, PA, followed by committal at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Barb’s memory to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

You may leave condolences at www.Stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or on our Stevens family funeral homes face book page.

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Tributes

  • Thoughts of Tranquility Floor Basket

    Thoughts of Tranquility Floor Basket was sent for Barbara J. Franco - 09/04/2024

  • Sweet Moments

    Alyson Sommers sent Sweet Moments for Barbara J. Franco - 09/03/2024

    Words cannot express our heartfelt condolences to your family during this time. Please go in comfort knowing our thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Bechtel, Oriana Solar Project

  • Garden of Memories

    Garden of Memories was sent for Barbara J. Franco - 09/03/2024

Condolences

  • 09/12/2024

    Alice Rudolph Rowley

    Julie and Joe, my deepest condolences to you, your father, and all your family on your mother's passing. I have happy memories of spending time at your home as a kid. Your mom was always warm and welcoming. Your family is in my prayers. -- Alice Rudolph Rowley

  • 09/08/2024

    Nancy and Pat Hughes

    Alex and family,Kay, Jeannie and family. We are sorry for Barbs passing.She will be greatly missed. With deepest sympathy. Pat and Nancy Hughes

  • 09/05/2024

    Cheryl and John Cupps

    To Julie and Hal Stevens and the Franco Family. You are in the thoughts and prayers of your Hidden Valley neighbors. May Barbara rest in peace and may the perpetual light shine upon her. Cheryl and John Cupps

  • 09/05/2024

    Barb Gosnell

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Barb was a wonderful person love to you all. Barb Gosnell

  • 09/04/2024

    Kristi Hicks

    To the Franco Family you have my deepest condolences. Mikey and Jenny My prayers are with you both. Your mother was a wonderful woman. The family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Kristi Hicks

  • 09/03/2024

    Melissa Cust

    Barb and Al immediately welcomed our family and treated us like their own. I will never forget them going out of their way to pick me up from the airport and driving down to Ocean City, Maryland together. I am so thankful for the special times we spent together celebrating weddings and holidays. There was so much love, laughter and of course dancing! My heart is broken for Al, her family, and friends. She was truly an amazing woman and left a heart print on everyone she met. Sending all our love, Melissa, Patrick and all the kids.

  • 09/03/2024

    Denise and Jim Barner

    We will never forget the loving sweet welcome when we first met Barb (Nana) and Al (Pap) they were instantly part of our family! The love and friendship over the years are cherished times we will never forget and hold close to our hearts. Your mom's memories, her legacy will live on in each of you Julie, Joe. Jen and Mikey and all grandkids and great grandkids.♥️ Love Jim, Denise Barner and family

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