Frances Ybarra Amabisca Ph.D.

Amabisca, Frances Ybarra Ph.D.
Dr. Frances Y. Amabisca, 88, of Goodyear, Ariz. passed away on Sept. 12. 2010. A lifelong educator, Dr. "A" as she was fondly called, was born in Hayden, Ariz. on May 30, 1922. The oldest of four girls born to Bernardo and Paula Ybarra. Frances' passion for learning was implemented at an early age by her parents. This passion would show throughout her life. Dr. "A" earned her B.A. and M.A. in education from Arizona State University. She did graduate work at Universidad de Mexico, Universidad Central de Venezuela and the University of Michigan. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration from Arizona StateUniversity. Frances' career as an educator has taken her from teaching positions in Thatcher and Litchfield Park High Schools, to Venezuela as the Director of Personnel for Shell Oil, and back to the Avondale Elementary School District. Dr. "A" retired from Avondale as superintendent in 1987. Working with students, her goal was always to encourage and to prepare them to become productive citizens. Dr. "A" said, "teaching is the most powerful force influencing the future. The greatest honor any society can bestow upon upon an induvidual is to entrust the minds and hearts of our children to you, placing the future of our world in your hands." Frances served her community on various educational committees, including the National Migrant Education Task Force, the Education Commission of States, and the State Committee for Mentally Retarded Children. She was a member of service groups, including Soroptomist of Estrella, the Avondale Women's Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, Arizona Administrators Association, and the International Society of Women Educators. Recognitions include, "The Migrant Educator" from the Arizona Department of Education, 1976, "Woman of the Year" from the Valley Business and Professional Women, 1981, and the Governor's Award "Women Who Educcate" from the Arizona Women's Partnership, 1985. In her last years, Frances continued to educate and serve at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, the Avondale Library, and various school assocations. She lived her life as a true role model for all who came in contact with her as Christ intended for her. Earlier this year the Congregation of Holy Cross recognized Frances with their "Spirit of Holy Cross" award for her educational service to the priests at St. John Vianney. Humbled and honored by the award, she said of the priests, "they all tell me they have learned from me, but the truth of the matter is, I have learned from them." Dr. "A" is survived by her sisters Elidia Y. Herrada (Joe) and Carmen Y. Portillo, eight nieces and nephews, twelve great nieces and nephews and four great great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mary Y. Garcia and husband, Earnest Amabisca. Visitation will be on Friday, Sept. 24 in Goodyear at St. John Vianney, 539 La Posada Blvd, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The funeral mass will be on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. at St. John Vianney, interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, followed by a reception at Eliseo Felix School. Donations in Dr. Amabisca's name may be made to St. John Vianney for education and vocations; Evercare Hospice, 3141 N. 3rd Ave Phoenix, Ariz. 85013, for their service and Avondale Elementa
ry School District, 235 W. Western Ave. Avondale, Ariz. 85323, for education. Floral rememberances can be ordered through Thompson Valley West Funeral Chapel, 623-932-1780.