Ida Lucy Franchini

Lucy Franchini, 87, of Aztec, NM, was called to heaven by our Lord Jesus Christ on July 15, 2020.

Lucy was born in Bath, Maine (ME) to Merle Orne and Ida Bourassa on June 2, 1933.  She graduated from Morse High School in 1951 and then attended Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Portland, ME.  Lucy met the love of her life, Johnnie Von Franchini, in Caribou, ME, where he was stationed bythe U.S. Army and she was working in the Operating Room.  They were married in 1955 and honeymooned on the train back to Johnnie’s hometown of Aztec, NM.

Lucy worked in the Operating Room of San Juan Community Hospital (now San Juan Regional Medical Center) in Farmington, NM and Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, NM from 1956-1958 and 1961-1963, respectively.  She was commonly known as “Frankie” by the hospital staff.  She also worked as a nurse for Dr. Tony in Aztec, NM, until retiring in 1977.

Lucy was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Flora Vista, NM, where her homemade cherry and apple pies drew reservations during church bake-sales. She also took up oil painting in retirement through San Juan College Community Learning Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Merle & Ida Orne and her grandparents,Lydia & Albert Bourassa and Eugene & Elizabeth Orne; her sister,Elizabeth Tomko; and her grandson, Joshua Franchini.

Lucy is survived by her loving husband of over 64 years,Johnnie Von, of Aztec; son John Merle and wife Julie of Aztec; son James Charles of Huntsville, Alabama; son Joseph Earl and wife Mary of Boise, Idaho; nephew Russ and wife Beth of Belen, NM.  She was blessed with ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many life-long, dear friends, including Judy & Dale Lawson and Dora McQuitty.

The family is thankful to the healthcare workers for their generous and loving care of Lucy over the years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lucy's favorite charity, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital to end childhood cancer (https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html).