Francisca Chagoyan

It was the summer of 1982. My mom was five months pregnant and walking in the heat to pick me up from school. She was red as a radish from the sun when Francis saw her and started a conversation.

She asked my mom, "What are you doing walking in this heat?"
My mom replied, "I came to pick up my daughter. She just started school here."
Francis then said, "How about this? I´d like to meet your daughter, and I´ll give you both a ride home. It´s not good for you to be walking so far, especially while pregnant."

My mom accepted the ride, and when we got to our house, Francis offered, "If you give me five dollars a week, I can bring your daughter home so you don´t have to walk."
My mom agreed, and from that moment on, a beautiful friendship began.

I grew up with Francis´s daughters. We called each other cousins-even though we were never quite sure if we were actually related. But I always felt like we were. There were so many coincidences-our names, family stories, even our last names sounded familiar.

Francis always included me in whatever her daughters were doing-whether it was swimming lessons, going to see a play, or just spending time together. I was always part of the group.

As we got older and became teenagers, things naturally changed. We went to different schools and drifted apart a bit. But I never stopped appreciating Francis. She was a wonderful friend to my mom and to me. Her daughters were like sisters to me.

I´ll never forget the fun times at her house-her delicious homemade pizzas, fresh bread, and donuts. She created a warm, welcoming home filled with laughter and love.

Those memories will always stay with me. I´m so grateful for everything Francis gave us-her kindness, her generosity, and her friendship.

She will be dearly missed.

Mom helped me so much emotionally during my rough teen years and I am still grateful for it to this day. Wish I had another chance to thank her for all the talks we had.

RIP my friend you and your sister will always be in my heart. It has been difficult to let go of the phone talks I I had with my two great friends (almost sisters). Be in peace with the great Lord!

Mother was familiar with the harsh realities of life and she left a lasting influence on us siblings.
I hope this is the beginning of a time of healing for all of us.
May mother rest in eternal peace and love.

I will miss you Tia especially your phone calls

I love you grandma

You were my mom´s best friend and cousin. You taught our family how to live a better life, and for that I will be forever grateful. I will miss you terribly but you will always be in my heart.
Patricia Proa

I miss you so much