Patricia Rae Francis

Patricia (Patti) Rae (Nicola) Francis began her Eternal Adventure as an Angel on August 10th, 2025 at age 84.

Patti was born in Canton on April 3, 1941, to the late George and Elsie Nicola. She was preceded in death by her husband Ronnie Francis, her brother Charles, brother and sister-in-law Norman and Judy Nicola and sister Bobbi Pete. She is survived by her daughter Gabrielle Francis and son-in-law Ahmed Jeriouda; daughter and son-in-law Nicki Francis and John Wilmot and their children, Jamie and Jackson Wilmot; son and daughter-in-law Dan and Jean Francis and their children Rachel (Francis) and Steven Goicoechea, Paul, Lizzy and Nathan Francis; daughter and son-in-law Shannon Francis and Bill Nagode and their children Nick, Celeste and Seth Brayer. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Rebecca Nicola and numerous nieces and nephews that she loved so dearly. She lived for and loved her big extended Lebanese family.

Patti was a massage therapist for over 45 years. She continued working until two months before her passing. She loved her clients and enjoyed the social and spiritual connection of her work. She lived a life of service living true to her motto “Volunteering makes the world go ‘round.” She volunteered at St Jude’s Hospital for over a decade, spent over two decades volunteering for the USO, volunteered for nearly six decades between St. Anthony’s Parish in Parma and Guardian Angels Parish in Copley. Additionally, she was always cooking meals for various homeless shelters.

Nothing brought Patti more joy than being around friends and family. Her greatest joy was watching her children and grandchildren grow and flourish and spending time with them. Cooking and baking for her family was something she cherished. Her milk bread and cinnamon bread were her claim to fame and everyone felt very lucky to be a recipient of these Lebanese treasures. When she baked she prayed and passed on her prayers to the person she gifted.

Patti’s love for the Cleveland Guardians was unrivaled. She often would watch a game live on TV and then watch it again right afterwards! Her house always had games playing on the TV and radio. She also took great pleasure in gardening and yard work as it connected her to nature and kept her moving.

Patti was blessed with so many special family and friends. Her sweet Cousin Becky Chevraux was her faithful ride and die buddy taking frequent trips to visit family in West Virginia. Patti started and ended everyday talking to her best friend Adele Anthony — their 55 year soul friendship brought Patti so much comfort, plenty of laughs, and lots of stories.

Patti will be sharing her beautiful smile and vibrant energy with her family and friends in heaven and she will be dearly missed. She led a life of faith, love, discipline, humor and lots of laughter. Her mission of sharing God’s Love and Gratitude are now for us to continue.

Catholic Memorial Mass will be held 11AM SATURDAY, August 16, 2025 at Guardians Angels Catholic Church,1686 South Cleveland-Massillon Road in Copley. Guests can pay respect to the family in the vestibule of the church beginning at 10:30 AM. There will be a Celebration of Life immediately following the mass. All these events will be held at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Guardian Angels in Copley.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)