FRANCINE PASCAL

PASCAL--Francine Paula. Francine Paula Pascal (nee Rubin), born on May 13, 1932, in New York City, passed away in Manhattan on July 28, 2024, at the age of 92. She was a true New Yorker but for over 40 years she shared her time between the city and her villa in the South of France. Francine was a renowned author and creator whose writing transcended genres from journalism, television, young adult fiction, adult fiction, and Broadway. She is best known for her seminal series "Sweet Valley High" which captured the hearts of millions of young readers worldwide. Her Sweet Valley legacy continues today via the "Sweet Valley Twins" graphic novels series. Francine graduated from New York University with a degree in Journalism, writing for Cosmopolitan before going on to write soap operas, including "The Young Marrieds." In the theater, she collaborated with her brother, Tony-winning playwright Michael Stewart, and her second husband John Pascal on the book for the Broadway musical "George M," celebrating the life of George M. Cohan. After Michael passed away in 1987, Francine managed his full theatrical estate to receive Broadway, West End and international productions and awards, as well as writing the revised version of his musical "Mack and Mabel." She also wrote two adult novels, "Save Johanna" and "If Wishes Were Horses," a semi autobiographical book detailing her life with John, as well as another young adult series "Fearless." An avid lover of Broadway theater and a Tony voter, Francine served on the Advisory Committee for the American Theater Wing for many years. Francine's legacy is carried on by her loving family. She is survived by her two daughters, Laurie Wenk-Pascal, and Susan Pascal Johansson and her husband Anders; six grandchildren, Molly, Mia, John, Nicole, Alice and Thomas; and five great-grandchildren, Liam, Cali, Levi, Olivia, and Arlo; as well as her friend and invaluable assistant of 37 years, Hilary Bloom. Francine was preceded in death by her parents, Kate and William Rubin; brothers Michael Stewart and Burt Rubin; daughter Jamie Stewart; and her husbands Jerome Offenberg and John Pascal. Francine Pascal was revered for her contributions to literature and the arts, touching many lives through her storytelling. Her absence leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of her family, friends, and a multitude of fans. Francine will be profoundly missed as her stories continue to inspire future generations. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations go to the Michael Stewart Foundation (853 7th Avenue, 5C, NY, NY 10019; EIN 13-6179721) which Francine set up to honor her brother's legacy and their shared commitment to their fellow artists. Private memorial to be held at a later date.