Brett Armond Francois

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Brett Armond Francois, who left this world on September 8, 2025, in Modesto, California, at the age of 54. Born on July 20, 1971, in Metairie, Louisiana to Dianne-Marie Francois, Brett brought warmth, humor, and compassion into every life he touched.

A proud resident of Patterson for the past eight years, Brett was the kind of person who made everyone feel like family. Known for his sharp wit and even sharper sense of humor, he could always be counted on for a laugh-and for making sure you felt truly seen and accepted. He was a man who gave his time, his heart, and often even his wallet to help others, especially the children and families he served through his work.

Brett dedicated much of his professional life to working as a Child Welfare and Attendance Specialist (CWA), a role he approached not just as a job, but as a calling. Whether a student was struggling with homelessness, gang involvement, or mental health issues, Brett was there-not only as a mentor, but as a lifeline. He provided rides, food, school supplies, and above all, genuine care and advocacy. His heart was big enough for every student who needed a second chance.

Outside of work, Brett was a devoted husband, father, coach, and friend. After his beloved wife, Gladys, became disabled, Brett became the family's sole provider-never once complaining, only loving and doing what needed to be done with strength and grace. He and Gladys were inseparable for 30 beautiful years.

A lifelong baseball fanatic and diehard New York Yankees fan, Brett's passion for the game was impossible to miss-he even named the family's four dogs after Yankee legends: Jeter, Bernie, Mo, and Andy. He spent 14 years coaching his daughters' Little League teams, creating memories and mentoring young players both on and off the field.

Brett was also an incredible cook-his legendary jambalaya (spicy by default!) was always in high demand, and he loved nothing more than planning day trips around top-rated restaurants he discovered online. Food was his love language, and meals were his way of bringing people together.

Brett faced his battle with cancer with the same courage and selflessness he showed in every other part of his life. Even during treatment, all he wanted was to return to work and continue helping the students he cared so deeply about.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Gladys Francois; his daughters Alexandra, Evina, and Ilianna; his son-in-law Scott Anderson; and his four beloved fur-babies, Jeter, Bernie, Mo, and Andy.

Brett's legacy is one of laughter, love, and unshakable kindness. He lived his life in service of others and left behind a community profoundly better for having known him.