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Francesca Danieli Obituary
Mother, sister, daughter, friend, wife, and artist-- we all lost a beautiful woman on the evening of June 27, 2006. Francesca has shown remarkable grace, strength and dignity, having first faced cancer 22 years ago when diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma; then with breast cancer eight years ago; followed by metastatic disease diagnosed nearly two years ago.
Having lived her life with such grace, dignity and wit, Francesca spent her last weeks in character at a hospice and wanted all of her friends and family to know that she believes that she lead a very fortunate life.
Having received national recognition for her work as a photographer and videographer, Francesca had published her body of work in "Gamma Knife" by Nazraeli Press in 2005. Her video project "One Nice Thing" was an official selection at three film festivals. Her work is held in the collections of the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, TX and the Getty Museum.
Francesca completed Masters Degrees at both the Columbia Business School and the Maryland Institute College of Art and received her BFA from the Virginia Commonwealth University.
Francesca is survived by her three daughters, Anna, Lee and Isabel Gensler; her husband, Gary Gensler, all of Brooklandville, MD; her father, Francesca Costagliola of Alexandria, VA; and her three sisters, Marisa Costagliola of Columbia, MD, Antonia Burns of Cambridge, MD, and Rose Rubin of Falls Church, VA.
Funeral services will be held at her home in Brooklandville, MD, Thursday, June 29, at 1:30 p.m. Francesca wanted to thank everyone for their expression of support over many years and asked that in lieu of sending flowers or food to rather make contributions to: Hopewell Cancer Support, PO Box 755, Brooklandville, MD 21022 (410-832-2719).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francesca Danieli
DeBora Craven -TCW Class of 73
July 12, 2006
Sorry, to hear about your sister. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Jack Howe TCW '72
July 10, 2006
I was saddened to hear of yet another high school classmates passing. I didn't know Francesca extremely well but recall a warm and friendly personality. My deepest condolences to her family.
Ann (Deane) Walls
July 10, 2006
Marisa, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you mourn your loss and celebrate a life that touched and continues to touch so many people. May God shower you with sweet memories and thankfulness for a very special sister.
Verona Iriarte
July 10, 2006
Sorry, for the loss of your sister.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Fred Reiner
July 7, 2006
It's always difficult learning of the death of someone you liked and admired, but haven't seen for many years. I would like to have spoken with Fran one more time. My daughter is now at VCU getting her BFA. I only hope she does as much with her life as Fran did with hers. My prayers go out to the whole family.
Rick Coleman, TCW '73
July 7, 2006
Marisa, I am very sorry for your loss. You and Francesca were two of the first artists I met. Fortunately, I discovered a passion for art at Virginia Tech and NVCC beginning with music, theatre and dance and continue to explore today through singing, poetry and photography.
Fran and I took French 3 together. I remember you both fondly as extremely pleasant, friendly, cheerful sisters who lit up a room with your glow, conversation and genuine interest in others.
May God's peace be with you, your families and friends as you grieve.
DOUGLAS 73'
July 7, 2006
Dear Marisa , Sad to hear this song ,condolences to all ,''protect yourself beneath the strength of strings '' hope you still make music,,, dug
Robin Muller
July 7, 2006
Marisa and family: I am so sorry to hear about Fran's passing. She was one of the great talents of my classes at both TC Williams High School and VCU. I always remember her advising me on art colleges and that we both might have graduated from Eckerd, where a friend's son now attends(and loves it).
All the best to your dad and kids.
Robin
T.C. Williams Class of 1973
July 7, 2006
Marisa,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
ina blumberg
July 6, 2006
We have never met, but my uncle and aunt, Edgar and Phoebe Berman lived in your house. I am so very sorry for your loss. Our good friend is Paula Frank
Elizbeth V. Poole
June 30, 2006
I was so very sorry to learn of the passing of Francesca. Although I did not know her well, I do remember that she was always gracious and kind to me. Our prayers remain with Gary, Anna, Lee and Isabel. God's grace and mercy to you all. Elizabeth and Amandabeth
David, Mindy, Zach, Alex Fang
June 29, 2006
We are so sorry for your loss. Francesca stayed strong for a long time and her strength will remain with you all.
David, Mindy, Zach & Alex Fang
PHYLLIS KISNER
June 29, 2006
GARY, ANNA, LEE & ISABEL,
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS. FRANCESCA WILL ALWAYS BE WATCHING OVER AND PROTECTING YOU.
BARB HAS BEEN SHARING WITH ME THE E-MAILS THAT YOU HAVE BEEN WRITTING, I DID NOT KNOW HER, BUT SHE SOUNDS LIKE A TRULEY WONDERFUL & STRONG PERSON.
PHYLLIS (TOM'S SISTER)
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