Francesca Dobson, 76 of Des Moines passed away peacefully on Friday, March 5, 2021 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa.
Francesca was born on January 28, 1945 in San Juan, Puerto Rico; she was one of four daughters and three sons of Juan and Gloria Garcia. She was raised in Brooklyn, NY where she stayed through her formative years until moving to Iowa where she later met and married her husband, Ron Dobson. She was a devoted wife, doting mother, loving matriarch to her extended family and endearing friend and colleague.
Fran was known for her incredible sense of humor, extreme generosity, endless creativity, resourcefulness, problem solving, advice and storytelling; and her 76 years of life provided endless stories. She loved to travel, dance, cook for loved ones and planned parties like a pro. She worked hard, but seemingly effortlessly and found success in her endeavors professional and personal. She was the proud owner of an eclectic and potentially dangerous shoe collection, likely inspired by her days as a shoe model. She will be missed greatly but forever felt in ripples through everyone she knew. She leaves many gifts behind to her family, including the confidence to live any life that brings you joy. And if it involves a collection of mannequins dressed in seasonal attire, so be it.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, David (Vanessa), Gary, Bill (Grace), Willy, Matthew (Lisa), Robin (Craig), and Marcia (Rod), 26 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, brother, Michael (Liz), 50 plus nieces and nephews and her beloved cat, Sir Lambert.
In death Francesca rejoins her parents, Juan and Gloria, husband, Ronald, brothers, John and Louie, sisters Norma (Eddie), Ruth and Zelma and a grandson, Tanner.
Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 12, 2021 at Merle Hay Funeral Home 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50301. Visitation will be from 12:00 until service time at 1:00 p.m.
For Live stream https://player.vimeo.com/video/521433554 for those unable to attend due to distance or health concerns you will be able to watch service live.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Wounded Warrior Project.
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