Frances Serazio Sanchez died on February 16, 2014 after battling a reoccurrence of breast cancer re-diagnosed in August of 2012. Her breast cancer was initially diagnosed in 1997. In 2005, with a kidney failing, she was fortunate to find a match and undergo a transplant from her donor husband, Dennis Sanchez.
Frances Jamesette Serazio was born on July 18, 1949 to William and Anne (Mitacek) Serazio; she was the second of five children. She was named after both grandfathers, Francis (Frank) Mitacek and Giacomo (James) Serazio.
Frances was preceded in death by father William in 1990, mother Anne in 1989, and an infant brother, Johnny Joseph in 1956. Her deceased grandparents include Giacomo and Catherine (Corgliano) Serazio of Starkville, CO, and Francis and Mary (Vasko) Mitacek of Cary, IL.
Immediate survivors include her husband Dennis of 38 years, daughter Amanda (Mandy) and son Jonathan, his wife Mary Rose, and beloved granddaughter Shilah. Both son and daughter reside in Albuquerque, NM. Surviving siblings and their families include brother Bill, his wife Carla, daughter Angie Brack-Ortega and children Andi and Trea, all of Raton, NM; brother Jim, his wife Emy of Tucson, AZ, their son (nephew) Michael, wife Julia and daughter Lucy of Bridgeport, CT; brother Chris, wife Johnette of Sante Fe, NM, and son (nephew) Nick, wife Lindsi and sons, Jake and Joey from Pueblo, CO.
Frances began her first job at Tony’s Pharmacy while attending high school and continued to work part-time evenings and weekends throughout a number of years in her adult life. Following graduation, she was employed at the City of Raton Water Department where she had the opportunity to meet and establish a lifetime of friends and co-workers during her 29 years as a city employee. Upon retiring, she began working for Raton Public Schools – first as a substitute teacher and later working in Special Education services at Longfellow Elementary. As an aide for special education, Frances moved to a Title 1 reading specialist job and soon realized how many children had never been exposed to reading – she found immense joy in the experience of helping them grow and learn.
She will be remembered fondly and lovingly as a wife, mother, and grandmother whose warm hospitality and wonderful cooking brought family and friends together for many happy years. A holiday was not complete without her unrivaled ravioli brightening the dinner table and her gentle warmth welcoming guests to the Sanchez home.
Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary (recited by Frank Cimino Jr.) will be at St. Patrick’s-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Raton on Thursday, March 6 at 9:30 A.M.
Mass will follow at 10:00 A.M with Father John Trambley as the celebrant. The rite of Christian burial and the internment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
So sorry to here about our dear Frances . She was always such a joy to be around and visit with. She will be missed by many. Our prayers our with you at this time. May God be with you at this time.
Roberta and Tim Harkness