Obituary: Francine Laurie (Garaffo) Roza

March 12, 1945 – Aug. 31, 2021

Francine Laurie (Garaffo) Roza, 76, died in the company of her loving family.

She was born Francine Garaffo in Chicago, the eldest of five children. Francine graduated from Chicago Teacher’s College and worked as a teacher. She married Kenneth Roza, moved to Crystal Lake, Illinois, and put her heart and soul into raising her four children. During her 76 years, she delivered immense amounts of love, kindness and baked treats to her large family and dear friends. She cultivated a beautiful garden at her Egg Harbor summer home, made fresh grapefruit juice from the fruit trees in her winter Tampa-area home, and tended to her friendships and 12 grandchildren wherever she was.

Francine is survived by Kenneth, her loving husband of 57 years; her four children and 12 grandchildren, Ken Roza (Shari) and their children, Courtney and Ben; Scott Roza (Marguerite) and their children, Holland, Anabel, Ellie and Adeline; Nicole Havlin (Jason) and their children, Lauren and Matthew; and Melissa Currie (Michael) and their children, Mackenzie, Zak, Stephanie and Whitney. She is also survived by three Garaffo siblings, Nina, Lisa and Peter; and many other extended relatives.

Fran loved spending her summers in Door Country. She was a Master Gardener (often plotting crafty ways to keep plant-eating critters away from the flowers) and had a gifted ability to cook amazing meals for those she loved. Her home and kitchen were always open, with freshly baked treats and tea on offer for all who visited.

Francine was a beautiful human who made her many house guests feel at home. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

No service is scheduled. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Friends of the Pavilion in her name (P.O. Box 175, Egg Harbor, WI 54209).

Huehns Funeral Home and Door County Crematory of Sturgeon Bay are assisting the Roza family. Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos of Francine can be shared through her tribute page at huehnsfuneralhome.com.

DONATIONS

Friends of the Pavilion, c/o In Memory of Francine L. Roza

P.O. Box 175, Egg Harbor WI 54209