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Francesca Applegarth Obituary
September 27, 1971 - February 28, 2024
Francesca Applegarth, a beacon of wit and insight to her family and many friends, died peacefully at her home in Kentfield on the night of Wednesday, February 28, following a long battle with Lupus and related neurological diseases that she fought with unwavering courage.
She was 52.
Born in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1971, Francesca grew up in Milan, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. She studied at University High School and Sarah Lawrence College before graduating with honors from the University of California, Berkeley.
Francesca met her future husband, Gregory Maxwell Applegarth, in 1989, when he caught a brief glance of her driving her Volkswagen down Washington Street in San Francisco and chased after her on his motorcycle. They were married in 1995.
Known for her candor, Francesca recalled as a teenager that she had learned in elementary school "not to be shy, and to speak my mind, which is something I have done ever since." Her wisdom and compassion made her the go-to figure for advice among her family members and countless friends.
She and Max co-founded the popular coffee house Caffe Centro in South Park, San Francisco in 1992. Francesca served on the board of the Swig Company and the UCSF Russell-Engelman Rheumatology Research Foundation and was a founding contributor in the development of the UCSF Brachial Neuritis Center.
Francesca is survived by her husband, Max; her children, Aidan Alexander and Annabelle Grace Applegarth; her mother, Carolyn Zecca Ferris; father, Roberto Zecca; and stepfather, Timothy Ferris; her brothers, Alex Zecca (Fiona) and Patrick Ferris; Michela and Diego Zecca; and Max's eight siblings and the entire Applegarth family.
Services are to be held at St. Dominic's Catholic Church in San Francisco Saturday, March 23, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the UCSF Russell/Engelman Center, the UCSF Brachial Neuritis Center, and Hospice By The Bay.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francesca Applegarth
Sponsored by Evergreen Mortuary of McAvoy O'Hara The Evergreen Mortuary.
Jay/Joey and Terri Gross
March 23, 2024
We send our deepest condolences and want you to know we are thinking of you and your family on this sad occasion.
Laura McDonnelll-Margolis
March 20, 2024
Sending love and light from the Margolis family in memory of the lovely Francesca Applegarth
Sara
March 15, 2024
Francesca had many wonderful qualities, but she was especially kind, thoughtful, patient and very brave. Her family and many friends have lost a very special person. Bless you Francesca. I will always remember your beautiful smile.
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Stacy
March 14, 2024
We light candles tonight and every night for Francesca. Who lived each day with grace and gratitude, more than could imagine. Francesca inspired each of us, forever and always. Holding you all so very close to our hearts. Stacy, Eugene, Charlotte & Julia Walden
ilkcan cokgor
March 10, 2024
Dear Francesca,
You were such a role model for chronically sick patients with your courage, wisdom, compassion and acceptance. I know you will continue touching souls and lives from Heaven. Miss you
Natasha Boas
March 6, 2024
Beautiful luminous Francesca! You were such a positive force in our community for those of us who suffered rare rheumatoid conditions. You were a light as a mother, sister, daughter, wife, friend and you will be greatly missed.
Blake Robin
March 5, 2024
Devastated. She was like an older sister to me in high school, so kind and funny. Sending love to the family.
Darcy Ellsworth Yow
March 4, 2024
Sending love to you all in this terribly sad time.
Christine Zecca
March 3, 2024
I will miss your presence, but know you will be near, even though I would have preferred seeing you again on this plain of existence.
Andrea Charlton Feeney
March 3, 2024
Dear Annabelle, Aidan and Max, I was so very sorry to read about Francesca's passing. She was a devoted and delightful wife and mother. I always enjoyed our interactions. Wishing you comforting memories of family times together. --Andrea Charlton Feeney
Deborah James
March 2, 2024
I met Francesca when our daughters were in elementary and middle school together. She was warm and welcoming and so easy to talk to. We shared some laughs and some sorrows with our kids over the years and I´m deeply saddened by her passing. My heartfelt condolences to all of her family and especially her children who she loved so much.
Deborah
Barbara
March 2, 2024
So saddened by the loss of my beautiful neighbor, Francesca. A life taken way too soon.
Tracy Carson Quong
March 1, 2024
I will always remember Francesca as being one of the most insightful, kind-hearted, gracious, beautiful, loving beings I have had the privilege to call my friend, and sister in spirit
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Evergreen Mortuary of McAvoy O'Hara4545 Geary Blvd. at Tenth Ave., San Francisco, CA 94118
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