Francesca Beatriz Ponce Castro, a caseworker and resident of Lancaster, PA, died unexpectedly on the morning of May 31, 2015, at the age of 28.

Francesca is survived by her parents, Francisco and Arlene Ponce Castro; grandmother Pilar La'O Ponce, aunts, uncles and cousins who will miss her dearly.

Francesca was born in the Philippines on March 24, 1987. She graduated from Conestoga Valley High School in 2005, and Temple University with a dual degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Most recently, she completed her graduate degree in Social Work from Temple University. While juggling a full course load, she worked as a caseworker for Lodge Life Services where she assisted patients with mental illness get back on their feet and be a contributing member of society.

Francesca was an avid traveler and loved books. She also loved the Japanese culture after spending a semester in college there. She recently enjoyed a trip to the Bahamas with her parents, a ritual that she always looked forward to. Francesca had a deep appreciation for the arts and her artistic skills shined in her sketches. Her creativity was also evident in her love of fashion and beauty as she pursued her hobby with different makeup techniques and stylish looks. She will be deeply missed by her friends, family and all who knew her.

A funeral mass will be held 1:00 pm on Friday, June 5, 2015, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, with Rev. David Danneker, Ph.D as Celebrant. Visitations will take place Thursday 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA, and on Friday at the church from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Interment will be private. Please omit flowers. Donations in Francesca's memory would be appreciated if made to the feeding program for underprivileged school children in Barrio Taal, Philippines, payable to St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601.