Mary Ellen Francisco

Mary Ellen Francisco, age 102, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, beginning at 9:30 a.m., on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Des Moines. Burial will be held at a later date at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to David Francisco, who will direct them to the Sisters of Bishop Drumm Retirement Center. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com

Mary was born in Newhall, England, a small coal mining village. She was one of 6 children of Arthur and Evelyn Ryder. When she was a teenager, her family moved to Darby shortly before World War II. There she spent most nights in a bomb shelter because her family lived near an aircraft engine factory. It was in Darby she met the love of her life, Maurice Francisco. They married in Des Moines, Iowa, on February 1st, 1947. They lived a long and happy life together. They had three children, David, Kevin, and Carol.

Mary was a woman of strong Catholic faith. She had an amazing giving spirit. She loved her family and supported all of their endeavors, from soccer games to grandparents days.

For many years, Mary and Maurice were the owners of New Concept Kitchens. She was the past President of the Sparks Senior Parishioners Club and Holy Trinity Rosary Society. She was a member of Saint Vincent DuPaul Society and of the Bishop Drumm Guild. She was a veteran of WAAFS, the women's auxiliary air force, where she was a teletypist during the war. Beyond theses endeavors, she was a volunteer for every bake sale, rummage sale, and anything else needed to support her beloved church and community.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice, and son, Kevin. She was the last survivor of her 5 siblings.

She is survived by her son, David, and daughter, Carol; daughter in law, Jan, and daughter in law, Uma; her grandchildren, Mikel, Joshua, Elisha, Thea, Ross, Ryan, Joey, and Ahni. She is also survived by 11 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

She will be missed by all.