Frances Isidro Lopez, 92, of Bedford, passed away on May 21, 2015.

She was born and raised in Caibarién Cuba. Panchita was the oldest of 8 children, many of whom she helped to raise. She married her beloved Manuel Emilio when she was 19 and followed him to the University of Chicago where she worked that year in the International House.

She and Manuel lived in Puerto Rico and several different cities in Colombia. She trekked in the jungle, rode donkeys to meet revolutionaries, met the native people in the Andes, and all her life was ready to travel and see the world. But she really loved most of all to be home with her family, and they eventually settled in Bedford. She raised two daughters, Mary Frances and Melinda Frances, and two granddaughters, Maxine Frances and Madeleine Barbara. Mami was fiercely protective of her family and instilled that in all of us.

She ran the cafeteria for Raytheon in Bedford for twelve years, and retired in order to once again go travelling. Together, she and Manny made multiple trips to New Foundland and Labrador, three trips to Alaska and two to Mexico, including Copper Canyon and the tip of Baja California, (and a legendary journey to the Yucatan to see the monarch butterfly migration) all in the VW camper that took them everywhere. They were married 72 years.

Panchita loved to throw parties, feed many people with her legendary boliche (roast) yucca and black beans. She opened her home to her brothers and sisters while they fought to make a life in America, and raised nephews and nieces with the same love and dedication as her own. Her parties—especially the family reunions at Old Stagecoach Road, were legendary.

She is survived by brothers Jose Manuel and Francisco, sisters Lola, Luz, Juana, Isabel, daughters Mary and Melinda, and granddaughters Maxine and Madeleine.

There will be visiting hours on Monday, May 25 from 2-7 PM, at the family home.