Francyne Rosalie Paladino

Francyne Rosalie Paladino

April 30, 1945 – March 4, 2025

Preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Rosalie Cairo; and infant son, Thomas Paladino.

Survived by her children: Tammy Meyer, Michael (Michelle) Paladino, Christine (Darrin) Jensen; Siblings: Christyne Vranes, Lucy Garti, Tommy Cosentino, Ricky Cosentino, Christopher Cosentino; Grandchildren: Vincent (Taylor) Meyer, Olivia (Christopher) Frampton, Christian (Haylea) Jensen, Noah Jensen, Nicholas Meyer, Lily Jensen, Triston Paladino, Ashton Paladino, Jr. (Tulia) Meyer; Great-grandchildren: Luca Meyer, Finn Frampton, Frankie Meyer, Mia Lucero, Preston Lucero.

VISITATION: Monday, March 10, 2025  from 5-7PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.

FUNERAL: Tuesday, March 11th, 10:30AM at West Center Chapel.

Interment: Holy Sepulchre.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Scattered Joys Acres.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com

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We are here today not only to mourn but to acknowledge the life of a woman who has left an indelible mark on all our lives. A truly wonderful, smart, kind, and funny woman, Francyne Rosalie Paladino born on April 30th, 1945. In her 79 years among us she was a woman of strength, resilience, and one of the most beautiful women in the world. On March 4th, 2025, her physical beauty may have ended, but her spiritual beauty will carry on.

When we think of Francyne, so many memories come to mind. One that stands out is watching her “Putting on her Face”, each day- carefully picking out the perfect outfit, with accessories and shoes to match. She had style and elegance that was all her own. Life found its fair share of challenges her way, and she met them all with the same unshakable determination and Sicilian sass that made her who she was. She was strong when she needed to be, kind when it mattered most, and always had just the right amount of attitude to keep things interesting. She had a presence you couldn’t ignore, a voice you couldn’t forget, and a heart that never ran out of love to give.

Fran’s journey was one of immense strength, incredible achievements, and enduring love. She faced hardships that would have broken most, yet she never let them harden her heart. Instead, she carried more than enough love for everyone, making sure no one ever felt alone, unheard, or unloved. If you were lucky enough to be loved by her, you knew it.

She had many passions- she loved singing, reading, and learning. After raising her children, she decided to fulfill a lifelong dream of getting a college degree and was a proud graduate of Bellevue College in 1987. Fran’s dedication and hard work granted her honors distinctions such as Summa Cum laude and was chosen to be class speaker for her graduating class. She held all of her accomplishments in high regard, but none higher than the honor of being voted “Homecoming Queen” by her peers. She had an exemplary twenty-year career as an adult probation officer. After retiring in 2008, she perused many passions, but nothing brought her more joy than being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment with them.

But let’s be honest—Fran wasn’t just known for her strength and knowledge. She was also known for… well, her ability to wear more of her food than she ate. It didn’t matter what was on the menu—”quizedela”, pasta, pizza—some of it was guaranteed to end up on her clothes. We all have our favorite “Fran and food” stories, whether it was her dripping sauce down the front of her shirt or somehow managing to spill something even when she wasn’t the one eating. It became such a regular occurrence that we all just learned to accept it, and towards the end, she even became the good-natured brunt of the joke. And of course, you can’t talk about Fran without her many sayings- the little things that would make us laugh or stick with us over the years. “What time shall I be ready?” “But let me tell you why.” And of course, “Do you want to know what I’ve been craving?” She had her quirks too, like being Italian, but absolutely refusing to eat onions. Every meal had to pass with the ultimate test- “Are there onions in it?” And the best part? She laughed right along with us. Because Fran didn’t take life too seriously, and she certainly didn’t take herself too seriously either.

She had a sharp wit, a playful sarcasm, and an unmatched ability to tell a story—often with dramatic hand gestures and an exaggerated accent, because why just say something when you could perform it? She could make you laugh until you cried and then turn around and give you the most heartfelt words of wisdom when you needed them most. She had a way of making everyone feel special, of making you feel like you mattered. And in a world that can often feel cold and impersonal, Fran was warmth.

Fran also had an enormous love for animals, her love was boundless.

At her core, she was love. A little stubborn, a little sassy, maybe a little messy—but always loving. Fran loved her family fiercely, unapologetically, and without hesitation. She taught us that family isn’t just about blood—it’s about showing up, about being there for each other, about loving even when it’s difficult.

And while she may not be with us in the way we wish she were, she’s still here. She’s in the stories we tell, in the lessons she taught us, in the laughter that fills the room when we remember something she said or did. She’s in the smell of pasta sauce simmering on the stove, in the way we instinctively wipe a stain off our shirts and think of her, in the moments when life feels overwhelming, and we hear her voice in our heads telling to have a little fun along the way. We honor her spirit by laughing, by loving, and maybe by making a little mess along the way. Because that’s what she would have wanted. We love you, mom. And in the afterlife, we hope they stocked up on stain remover.