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BELMONT - Mrs. Francesca Lee "Fran" Sapienza Cashion, 64, formerly of Gastonia, passed away Monday, June 3, 2013 at Lincoln Nursing Center after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was born July 25, 1948 in Gastonia, the daughter of the late Ralph Harrison Russell and Donnie Lee Garrison Russell.
Fran was a graduate of Ashley High School class of 1967 and retired as a legal secretary from Mullen, Holland and Cooper Law Firm. She was a lifelong member of Lutheran Chapel Church, where she was active in WELCA. Fran was a devoted volunteer in the community as a dedicated member of Gaston Memorial Hospital Ladies Auxiliary where she was a past president. She also helped at the hospital as a patient representative and in the giftshop. She also assisted the Red Cross in many blood drives. Through her community involvement she was awarded Gaston County Volunteer of the Year and NC Volunteer of the Year which was presented to her by Gov. Jim Hunt. Fran enjoyed time at the beach and was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.
Fran is survived by her husband of 45 years, George R. Cashion of Belmont; daughter, Susan Cashion Howard and husband William; grandson, Andrew Howard; brother Joe Sapienza, all of Gastonia; numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held 1:00pm, Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at Lutheran Chapel Church with Pastor Michael Comer officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Church Cemetery. A reception will be held in the Family Life Center after the committal service.
Memorials may be made in Mrs. Cashion's honor to Lutheran Chapel Church, 702 N. New Hope Rd., Gastonia, NC 28054 or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Carolinas Chapter, 3101 Industrial Drive, Suite 210, Raleigh, NC 27609, www.nationalmssociety.org.
Condolence messages may be sent online at www.McLeanFuneral.com.
McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the family of Mrs. Cashion.
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Steve Harvey
Fran was a childhood when I lived on church street. She was the beautiful black haired girl that was my first crush. I will always miss her. Steve
Jane Clark (Overturf)
I remember her too! She had the most beautiful black hair!
Janice Kinlaw (Daniel)
Fran also had a very sweet spirit. God bless her family.
Marilyn Sue Neeland (Earnhardt)
My mom kept her lil girl. She was a wonderful mom too.
Mona Hodge (Rankin)
When I sent out a request for classmembers to help with the 40th class reunion, Fran quickly answered she would love to help. I barely knew her in high school, but I immediately learned her 90 pound frame was primarily made up of heart. When she came to the first meeting, I could see she was confined to a wheelchair. She shared with me that she was stricken with MS while she was in her early thirties. Judging from the beautiful smile on her face, no one would ever suspect her pain. I won't say, nor would she want me to say, she is now an angel. What I will say, I have no doubt her gait is now straight, upright and no wheelchair is in sight! I love you Fran!
Maria Vause (Hudson)
Fran was a smiling driving force always always totally involved and committed with energy to spare. What a wonderful memory of her shining eyes and wit. Everyone loved her.