I’d like to introduce you all to Frances Jean Mendoza Duarte. A mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a friend, a relative, a survivor, a charismatic, charming and humorous woman whom we all loved. My grandmother was born in 1932 at a time when black women had limited access to resources needed for their survival. She dropped out of H.S to work to support her family. After meeting my grandfather in 1953 she had 6 children. 1 girl and 5 boys. Frances enjoyed traveling, fashion, getting her nails done, going to the movies, and spending time with her loved ones. She was naturally funny and enjoyed making us laugh. She was especially generous with her grandchildren. She loved to spoil them when she spent time with them.

In 2009 while on vacation visiting her sister in PA she suffered a massive stroke that was debilitating. We didn’t know if she would survive the stroke, but she did. She went on to overcome multiple mini strokes. Her quality of life would change because of her various health conditions. Frances had rheumatoid arthritis, and later in life dementia. Her health limitations did not stop her dazzling personality from shining through. She was often seen bopping her head to music, shimmying her shoulders, and tapping her feet to the sounds. She was a devout Catholic early in life and later converted to Christianity. At the beautiful Age of 90 on January 3rd, 2023, Frances transitioned. She was surrounded by those who loved

 her dearly.

Although Frances took the necessary steps to ensure her family would not be burdened with the costs left behind after death, nothing could prepare everyone for inflation and the varying prices of services in different states. As much as we may want to prepare for these transitions, nothing can really prepare us for when it actually happens. We are asking our loved ones and community to donate, share and repost. Anything helps. Please help us give Frances a proper send off. One that honors the beautiful, loving woman that we knew her to be.