Raquel Franco

Raquel Zamora Franco, a beacon and fighter, born on June 27, 1930 in Michoacan, Mexico, to the late Antonio and Soledad Zamora, and returned home on November 22, 2019 at 7:30 am, where she was greeted by God and her husband, Ignacio, who have been patiently waiting for 30 years, while the rest of her family was blessed with the gift of her. Her family stood vigil as God brought her home.  She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Miguel and Carlos Zamora.

Raquel, ma, abuelita, or grandma, to the various people that knew her, was a woman of great faith who fought for her family. She taught them kindness, love, patience, and humor. She loved fiercely and lit up her family's hearts. Raquel made each member of her family feel special and cherished. She followed a loving moral code. She snuck jello shots, tequila rose, and made bawdy jokes in Spanish. To us, she was perfect. Her last twenty years were spent in her daughter and son-in-law, Christine and Michael’s home, where she was greatly treasured, and in whose home the entire family was able to make beloved memories. Raquel was cherished beyond words, and her loss is felt deeply and she will be greatly missed.

Her spark is carried on by all seven of her children, who she saw married and start families of their own, James (Fatima) Franco, Edward (Teresa) Franco, Minerva Franco, Jorge (Miriam) Franco, Carl (Lynne) Franco, Grace Franco, and Christine (Michael) Gracer; 24 grandchildren, including Monica, whom she helped raise; and 11.5 great-grandchildren, who are too numerous to name, but whom she greatly loved and who loved her back as fiercely.

A final visitation will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2019 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord.  Raquel's funeral mass will be 11:00 am Monday, November 25, 2019 at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, Concord, officiated by Rev. Jerome Chavarria.  Following the service, she will be laid to rest at St. James Catholic Cemetery, Concord.

Raquel was precious in our eyes. She is honored, and we love her.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Franco family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com