Obituaries

Francesca Beatriz Ponce Castro, 28

May 31, 2015

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.

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Condolences to the Family

June 06, 2015

Even though I never met Cesca in person, I have shared many a wonderful moment with her talking online. She was so passionate and inspiring and full of life and she will be missed by many! My sincerest condolences to the family.
Rest in Peace, Cesca
Steph J.

June 05, 2015

Dear Francisco and Arlene- I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure no one can begin to understand the pain you are experiencing at this difficult time. Please know I am keeping you in my prayers and think of you often. I remember the time Frannie invited Erica and I to a Memorial Day cookout a few years ago and we met your daughter. She was a wonderful young lady. It appears she accomplished much in her short life and you should be very proud of the responsible, caring adult she became. Know the she will be watching over you. Take care. Melanie Blevins

June 05, 2015

On behalf of the students, faculty, staff and administration of Conestoga Valley High School, we offer our deepest sympathies to Francesca’s family and friends at this most difficult time.  Francesca is remembered fondly by CV staff members and her love of art, music and reading were well known.  She was a quality person in every way and obviously was making a positive difference in the world.  The CVHS community will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and we hope peace will be found through Francesca’s positive impact on all fortunate enough to have known her.
Conestoga Valley High School Students, Staff & Administration

June 04, 2015

Fran, Arlene, and family, please accept my deepest sympathy during this time of loss and sorrow. I  have never had the pleasure of meeting Francesca.  I work with Fran so I know she was as sweet and kind as he is. Mere words just can’t describe  how sorry I am that this is happening.  Please don’t hesitate to call on me for anything.  Sincerely,  Janice E. Jackson

June 04, 2015

DEAR ARLENE AND FAMILY,
 
WE ARE JUST THREE AMONG YOUR MANY LOYAL RUBY TUES. CUSTOMERS WHO ARE SHARING YOUR GRIEF. PLEASE KNOW THAT OUR HEARTS ARE BREAKING FOR YOU AND THAT WE ARE HOLDING YOU CLOSE IN THOUGHT AND PRAYER.
 
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY,
DONNA AND BOB NORRIS AND SON BRYAN

June 04, 2015

My condolences to the family and prayers for Cesca. I have met Cesca from several get together hosted by the Versoza family in New Holland,PA. Whenever she met an elderly Filipino, Cesca has always been friendly and courteously greeting them in her ethnic dialect impressively seeing a young filipina still possess her ancestral traditions and culture. With her good nature and having a positive and vibrant personality, the Filipino community began to love her and threat her as a family member. So sad to see her go; however, will always be remember and love.
Nonoy Ramos @ Downingtown, PA
” The Lord bless thee, and keep thee;  the Lord smile on thee, and be merciful to thee;  the Lord turn his regard towards thee, and give thee peace. ” (Numbers 6:24-26)
 

June 04, 2015

I did not know Francesca but I knew her father, Fran, from my daily visits to the Cancer Center last year.  Fran is the most caring, wonderful man I know and was very proud of his daughter and her accomplishments.  He chatted about her often. 
Fran, I want you and your wife to know how very sorry and heartbroken I am to learn about her death.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers daily.   I hope with all the love and support of your family and friends that, one day, you will be able to find peace.
You certainly were a bright spot in my daily treatments as you always had a smile and were so helpful and kind during a difficult time in my life.
Nancy Michaell ( I drove the maroon Cadillac and brought you donuts)
 
 

June 04, 2015

I will miss her. Although we just met recently, she was the sunshine of my life. Condolences to the family. Special thanks to her cousin, whom I don’t know, she answered Francesca’s phone on Monday when I was tried to reach her. Her cousin was very polite and let me cry and told her the plans Francesca and I had for that week. I will miss her so much. R.I.L. REST IN LOVE.

June 03, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss! My husband and I attended high school with Francesca. I will always remember her beautiful artwork or even just a doodle on her notebook paper. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, and co-workers. 
The Hillens 

June 03, 2015

I am so deeply saddened by the loss of Francesca. It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating graduating with our MSW degree. Francessca was an excellent social worker with a kind heart. I regret that due to being out of town, I will not be able to attend any services. Thoughts and prayers go out to all her friends and family.
Melissa Finney

June 03, 2015

Arlene and Francisco:We are so very soory for the loss of your daughter.  We know how much she meant to you.  We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Rick and Debbie Miller, The Jay Group

June 03, 2015

I considered Cesca one of my dearest friends, though we had never seen each other. We met at an online book club, and our similar literary tastes brought us together. She was a kind and cheerful woman who was taken from her family and friends too soon, and I send all my love and prayers.
Susan B.

June 03, 2015

I am so very sorry to hear about Francesca. I haven’t seen her since highschool, but she was always so sweet and kind. 
My deepest sympathies for her family and friends, and for her profession. I hope you find peace and comfort in time.
The Senn/Farrell Family

June 03, 2015

We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your lovely daughter.  We know how much she meant to your family.  Our prayers are with you.       
         Bill and Gloria Yurkiewicz
 
 

June 02, 2015

I am absolutely heartbroken over this. I would always ask Francisco about Francesca and will miss those conversations. I send all my love and prayers.
Heather Hair

June 02, 2015

On behalf of Temple University’s MSW Program, my deepest sympathies.  Francesca was a valued and inspiring member of our community.
Cheryl Hyde, Temple University

June 02, 2015

I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Francesca in this terrible accident.   I worked with Francisco at The Jay Group and he is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met.  He would often tell me about his daughter and how she was doing, how proud he was of her and how excited he was of the work and studies she was doing.  He would simply beem with joy when speaking about her and I know this is a very hard time for him and Arlene.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Castro family,
 
Nick Schappell

June 02, 2015

Arlene and  Franco,
     I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of sorrow.
God received another angel. 
Terry Hamilton

Visitation
Thursday, June 04, 2015
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Visitation
Friday, June 05, 2015
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
St. John Neumann Catholic Church
601 E. Delp Road
Lancaster, PA
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Services
Friday, June 05, 2015
1:00 PM
St. John Neumann Catholic Church
601 E. Delp Road
Lancaster, PA
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