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Lisa Franchina Roberts

August 6, 1967 - July 4, 2008
Lisa Franchina Roberts ascended to the gates of Heaven Friday after a gritty and courageous three-year battle with lymphoma. Her victories, trials and struggles – all chronicled on caringbridge.org – gave strength and hope to thousands and inspired tremendous outpourings of love, charity and prayer. The eldest of four children, Lisa, was born in Stamford, CT to Charles and Margaret Howard Franchina in 1967, six years before the family moved to Greenville where Charles served 31 years as a principal and educator for the School District of Greenville County. A 1985 graduate of Eastside High School, Lisa earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Furman University in 1989 and was a fervent Paladin football fan. She worked as a media buyer for Impressions Media Services and as a real estate assistant for Access Realty before being diagnosed with cancer in May of 2005. Lisa, 40, was a longtime parishioner at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Taylors. She was married to John Roberts, a Spartanburg native and employee of Furman University, September 18, 1993. The Roberts have three children, Zachary John, 13, Margaret Elizabeth Susan, 10, and Julianna Sarah, 8. A devoted and loving mother and wife, Lisa served as a volunteer for Mitchell Road and Brushy Creek elementary schools. She also was a volunteer for the S.C. Children's Theater and the Silverleaf subdivision swim team in Greer where the family resides. In addition to her husband, children and parents, Lisa is survived by a brother, Nick Franchina; three brothers-in-law, Shane Roberts of Mobile, AL, Marion Roberts of Spartanburg, and Jeremiah Manriquez of Greer; two sisters, Suzanne Fernandez and Nicole Manriquez, both of Greer; and a sister-in-law, Kelly Franchina of Greer; a dozen nieces and nephews, among them her Godchildren Nicholas Fernandez, 9, and Analise Franchina, 14 months; and her grandparents, Nicholas and Doris Franchina of Taylors. The family expresses their enduring thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Cancer Center of the Carolinas and St. Francis Hospital, Downtown for their devoted and nurturing care and treatment of Lisa. A Vigil will be held Tuesday at 6:30 pm with visitation following until 8:30 pm at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown, 639 N. Main St., Greenville. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am Wednesday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1209 Brushy Creek Rd., Taylors. The Rite of Committal will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park. Afterwards, the family will accept visitors at the family home at 102 Comstock Court, Greer. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and "Lisa 4 Life," a college fund for the Roberts' children. The account is being administered by Bank of America at 2020 Old Spartanburg Rd., Greer.
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Lisa Franchina Roberts ascended to the gates of Heaven Friday after a gritty and courageous three-year battle with lymphoma. Her victories, trials and struggles – all chronicled on caringbridge.org – gave strength and hope to thousands and inspired tremendous outpourings of love, charity and prayer. The eldest of four children, Lisa, was born in Stamford,Continue Reading

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Wright Henry left a message on March 6, 2015:
John, On behalf of the entire Clemson Rugby family, our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family. God bless you in your time of need.
Wanda Gambrell left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear Mr Franchina &Family I was saddened to see that you had lost Lisa.I remember all the pictures you had in your office at Sans Souci of her and your Grandchildren. I am so very sorry for your loss. You and all your family will be in our prayers.
Trudy Bruns left a message on March 6, 2015:
As a close friend of Nick and Doris Franchina, I am expressing my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Lisa. Ben and I followed the many treatments and their successes over the years. Sincerely, Trudy Bruns and Family
Trisha & Tommy Meadows left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear Charlie, Suzanne and family, We are so sorry for your loss of Lisa. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Tony and Sandy Simmons left a message on March 6, 2015:
Nick, Doris, and family, we were saddened to her of Lisa's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, Tony and Sandy Simmons
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Tom, Michelle, Jonathan, and Joey Hyatt left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear Roberts/Franchina families, Words don't come easy. There hasn't been a day that has gone by that all of you have not been in our prayers. You will continue to be.
Tammy Whaley left a message on March 6, 2015:
My sincere sympathy is with the entire family at this very sad time. Kelly shared Lisa's brave fight to live with those of us at USC Upstate and it was so inspiring.
susan sorrell left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear Franchina and Robert's families, I am so sad to hear about Lisa's passing. We were sorority sisters at Winthrop and went to high school together. I know she is going to be missed deeply, but I will never forget that wonderful smile of hers. Deepest
susan candler left a message on March 6, 2015:
I am very sad to hear of the passing of Lisa. I went to high school with Lisa and saw her last at the funeral of my twin brother, Davis. I had not seen her in 20 years, but she still came to my brothers funeral. It must have been very hard for her to
Stacey Grier McMinn left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear John, Zachary, Maggie & Julianna - I am so sorry for your loss. Lisa was a mentor to me at Impressions and I have always considered her a true friend. I always thought John was the writer in the family until I followed Lisa's blog on Caring Bridge!
Sonya and Anthony Dawson left a message on March 6, 2015:
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sandy Polk left a message on March 6, 2015:
I will always remember and appreciate her witty humor and the beautiful smile and laughter that accompanied it. Her positive spirit was so uplifting you knew it was a gift from the Lord. Surely what a beautiful "Angel" she is NOW sharing that smile with t
Sandra H Reece left a message on March 6, 2015:
May you find consolation in knowing that others care. Please remember that your loss is shared by those who care and understand. Wayne,Sandra and Ashley Reece
Sam, RN St. Francis Hospital left a message on March 6, 2015:
Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Lisa was such a strong and brave woman and will never be forgotten. Sam
Ron Craig left a message on March 6, 2015:
Joy and I attended Furman with Lisa. We are so very sorry to hear about her passing. Your family is in our prayers. We pray that God will grant you peace and will bring to mind precious memories of Lisa. With Deepest Sympathies, Ron and Joy Aldridge C
Roger & Christie Foertsch Clark left a message on March 6, 2015:
Our sympathies and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Having lost my father in 2006 to lymphoma I empathize with your pain and can only offer you hope that God will ease your pain and help you remember the wonderful gifts that Lisa has left behi
Mike and Joy Pate left a message on March 6, 2015:
Nick, Charlie and Family, Although we never knew Lisa, we have always followed her journey living on the Eastside and now being part of the Access Realty family, we offer our heartfelt prayers for all of you at this difficult time.
Melanie Waldrop left a message on March 6, 2015:
It was very sad to receive the news of Lisa's passing. In working with Lisa, Nick and Charlie, I have realized what a wonderful family you are. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the days ahead. If I can be of any help with the children or o
Marthabelle Rabon left a message on March 6, 2015:
Mr. Franchina: I am so sorry to hear about the lost of Lisa. I know how proud you are of your children. May God grant you peace and be with you and all of the family.
Marie Kidd left a message on March 6, 2015:
To all the Franchina's and Roberts family. My prayers and thoughts are with you all in the loss of of Lisa Roberts. Nick Franchina my family Kim & Carl McCaston send their condolences and thoughts to you too. You are all in my prayers. Marie Kidd@Pr
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Marcia Parrott left a message on March 6, 2015:
Nick, I was so sorry to hear about Lisa. Having lost Brian to this terrible illness on May 23rd, I know the pain and loss you feel. God Bless you and your family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Marcia Parrott
Marcel and Marsha Sfeir and family left a message on March 6, 2015:
We were so saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Madonna & Gerald Callahan left a message on March 6, 2015:
To the Roberts Franchina Family, we are very sorry for your loss. Words cannot express how we feel for you at this time. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers! Madonna and Gerald Callahan
Lisa Moran left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear Roberts and Franchina families, You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers everyday. Lisa was such a courageous woman who will always be remembered for fighting an amazing fight. With love, Lisa Moran Brushy Creek Elementary
Lauren Thorne left a message on March 6, 2015:
To Lisa's family- My thoughts and prayers are with you. I just read of Lisa's passing in The Lamp. In school, I remember what a little sweetheart she was. I know she is missed so very much. May God be with you during this most difficult time. Lauren Ni
Larry Epps left a message on March 6, 2015:
Charles, I read today of the trauma you and your family are enduring in the loss of your dear daughter, Lisa. You and your family, my friend, are facing one of life's worst scenarios, and I can only pray that God will hold you and your family fast and
kira kramer maton left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear Franchina/Roberts family, I went to school with Nick and Suzanne. I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa at Elizabeth Kramers wedding. What a beautiful person she was inside and out. Reading all about her journey of life, good and bad was such a bless
Kern Family left a message on March 6, 2015:
The entire Kern family sends their thoughts and prayers to the Roberts/Franchina families. God Bless You All.
Kelly Frazier left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear John, Zachary, Margaret, and Julianna, Please accept my deepest sympathies over the loss of your beautiful wife and mother. I am saddened that I never had the pleasure to meet Lisa in person because she has made an impact on my life that will aff
Jud and Tracey Warr left a message on March 6, 2015:
Jud and I were sadden when we received word that Lisa had passed. A day never went by without Lisa and the entire family on our minds. Lisa was a great fighter and her strength was remarkable. We are so blessed to have been Lisa's friend. We are prayi
Jon and Ellie Placko left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear John and Family, We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Lisa was an inspiration to so many people and will never be forgotten. You will be in our prayers now and always. Love, Jon and Ellie Placko
John & Sherry DeFendis left a message on March 6, 2015:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and especially with Lisa as she enters God's kingdom and a better life. As Lisa was your angel as she lived on earth, so may she look over you and be your angel as God blesses her spirit in heaven.
Joey & Mandy Siefers left a message on March 6, 2015:
"Every experience God gives us, every person he puts in our lives, is the perfect preperation for the future only he can see" Author Unknown May God see you through this difficult time
Joe Burgess left a message on March 6, 2015:
John, I am so sorry for your loss. Lisa truly was an inspiration to all of us. My thoughts will be with you and your family.
Joan Turner left a message on March 6, 2015:
Nick, please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the death of your sister. Tommy had told me of her illness and the fight you all were putting up. I'm so sorry for your grief. God Bless you and the family. Joan Turner Brushy Creek Project
Joan and Bill Higgins left a message on March 6, 2015:
Margaret and Charlie, Nick, Suzanne, Nichole and John and kids, Our hearts are heavy with grief since we heard the news, we are so sorry for your loss. The devotion and strength you all have exhibited during this terrible illness is incredible. Lisa is
Jean & John Hever left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear Margaret and Charlie and family, I am so sorry for your loss... Lisa was a valiant woman of grace and love. May she find rest and peace as we know she is with God. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love much, Jean and John
Jane Clayton left a message on March 6, 2015:
From the Stem Cell Transplant Financial Counselors at Cancer Centers of the Carolinas, our thoughts and prayers are with each of you in your loss. Tammy Bagwell Karen Bartley Jane Clayton
Jan Gentile left a message on March 6, 2015:
Margaret and Charlie, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. With deepest sympathy, Jan.
HOPE GAZES KAPETANAKOS left a message on March 6, 2015:
DEAR FRANCHINA AND ROBERTS FAMILY I AM SO DEEPLY SADDENED TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. NO WORDS CAN EASE THE PAIN OF THIS TRAGIC PASSING. ONLY THE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDER STANDING THAT COMES FROM THE GOOD LORD CAN CARRY YOU THROUGH THIS TIME. I WILL CON
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Harry and Kelli Smith left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear Nick and Family, Our thoughts and profound sympathies are with you all. A tragic and untimely loss is so hard to conceptualize. May you find comfort in each other and in your wonderful memories of Lisa. Have faith, stay strong and persevere. With
Guy, Cathy, Lee & Ross Harrison left a message on March 6, 2015:
Although we never knew Lisa, we have prayed for your families over the past few years when we've heard updates through some of the Northwood families. My son, Ross has played baseball with Michael Fernandez and we know Suzanne. Condolences on the loss of
Gudmundsen family left a message on March 6, 2015:
Our hearts are so heavy with the loss of Lisa; our cousin. So beautiful, so dedicated to her family, so strong, so smart--so young, Our Love & prayers to all the family
Greg Howard left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear John and Family, For the last three years there has not been a day that Lisa and the entire family was not in my thoughts and prayers. There are no words that can comfort at a time like this, just know that everyone is still in my thoughts and praye
George Thomas left a message on March 6, 2015:
Margaret and Charlie, Please know that I am thinking about you and your family in this time of sorrow. How much I wish I could be there, but know you are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all. Uncle George.
George and Mary King left a message on March 6, 2015:
We were so sorry to hear of your loss, our prayers and thoughts are with all the family. Our daughter Tina was a classmate of Suzanne's, May God bless.
Elizabeth Kramer left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear Franchina and Roberts family, My prayers are with all of you during this time of great loss. Lisa's courage and passion for life will never be forgotten. Praying God will keep you in the palm of his hand in the days and weeks to come.
Drew and Julie Brown left a message on March 6, 2015:
It's with a sadden heart and prayerful thoughts that we express our deepest sympathy to our friends - the Franchina and Roberts family. Lisa has left our world of the dying and entered into the land of the living with welcomed and loving arms! May we all
Dawn Flinkingshelt Scott left a message on March 6, 2015:
Mr. & Mrs. Franchina, Nick, Suzanne, Nicole, Many people and hearts have been touched by your family. I will continue to keep you and the Roberts family in our prayers at this time. God Bless Brad, Dawn, Summer & Harrison
David Howard left a message on March 6, 2015:
As you know the Lord has angels surrounding his presence. These angels slip away to earth in human form such as Lisa. Then the Lord needs his angel back to help him in heaven. Lisa is the angel of the Lord!! Love Always-David
Danny & Nan Howard left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear Charlie,Margaret,Nick,Suzanne,Nichole,John & family, Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Lisa will always be in our hearts and prayers.
Chuck Hussion left a message on March 6, 2015:
John and Family, Kathy and I will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this very difficult time.
Chris & Michi Cortese left a message on March 6, 2015:
Our hearts are saddened since hearing the news of Lisa. She was a very brave, strong, and courageous woman. We are so lucky and blessed to have known her. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy is with all of you. All our love, Chris, Michi
Bryan Finch left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear Roberts Family, We are deeply saddened by Lisa passing. We wish you comfort, love and joy during this difficult time. We enjoyed our time with Lisa at the baseball fields over the last few weeks! Lisaâ??s courage, determination and positive attitud
Bob and Cindy Bagwell left a message on March 6, 2015:
John, You and the children are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Lisa fought a hard battle and we have shared precious moments in prayer for her battle. She was a strong lady and we will miss her greatly. May God be with you, Zack, Marga
Bill and Lynn Welsh left a message on March 6, 2015:
So sorry to hear about Lisa, John. You are in our Prayers.
Beth left a message on March 6, 2015:
I loved Lisa dearly and miss her terribly. There is no one else in the world who knows me as Lisa did - she was more like family than a friend. And we all know how much family meant to her. She was fortunate to have loving family surrounding her throughou
Ashlyn Freeman left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear Franchina Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Having grown up with Nick since the 4th grade I have had the pleasure of being around all of your children, what a marvelous job you have done! I will continue to keep you all close to my heart d
Angie Hudson Miller left a message on March 6, 2015:
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time and in the days ahead. Lisa and I were sorority sisters at Winthrop and we were able to reconnect before Christmas. I followed her journey through CaringBridge. Lisa was a special person and
ANGIE left a message on March 6, 2015:
Charlie and Margaret, I am so deeply sorry to hear about Lisa. All my prayers are with you and your whole family. Love..Angie
Ana and Paul Gauvin left a message on March 6, 2015:
John, Ana and I are very sadened to hear of your loss. Please do not hesitate to call on us during this difficult time. Your neighbours, Ana and Paul
Albert & Nyoka Gray left a message on March 6, 2015:
Our prayers and sympathy are with you during this time of bereavement.
Abe and Abby Donaldson Aguirre left a message on March 6, 2015:
Dear Roberts/Franchina Families, Abe and I are so very sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. May the blessings of love be upon you, May its peace abide with you, May its essence illuminate your hea
Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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