Sharon Lee Francisco

Sharon Lee (Johnson) Francisco, age 88, of Mitchell, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Heritage Estates in Gering, Nebraska. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in Mitchell with Pastor Cody Johnson officiating. Cremation has taken place. Memorials may be made to Holy Apostles Episcopal Church or to the Panhandle Humane Society. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Sharon was born March 11, 1936, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Vance and Margaret (Lee) Johnson. She grew up on the family ranch in Sioux County where she attended country school until high school when she transferred to Mitchell High. She furthered her education at Nebraska Western Junior College and received her associate's degree. Sharon then went on to the University of Wyoming to achieve her bachelor's degree in elementary education. Sharon taught school in Washington, Colorado, and Nebraska. She loved her career and often said she never worked a day in her life, because she so enjoyed what she did. She would occasionally run into past students who would tell stories of her teaching them.

Sharon met and married Robert Francisco while teaching in Colorado and to this union Amy Lee and Shecky Jo, were welcomed into the family. They made their home in Scottsbluff and then Mitchell where Sharon was able to be a stay-at-home mom to her girls. Later, she worked as a substitute teacher before advancing her career as a special reading para and foster grandparent.

Sharon was a member of Holy Apostles where she enjoyed singing in the church choir and was a member of the alter guild. Following her retirement, she belonged to the Retired Teachers Group and was able to keep in touch with all her teacher friends.

She loved all animals and tried saving any that needed help or a home. She enjoyed being in nature and was outside as much as possible. Sharon especially liked watching and feeding birds. She traveled with a good friend in her early retirement years and had many fun adventures. It wasn’t unusual to find her watching the travel and discovery channels. She enjoyed some embroidery and crocheting, as well as reading short stories such as Reader’s Digest and the local newspaper. Sharon was a talker! She was on her landline frequently, always keeping in touch with family and friends. She loved her coffee (just black) and toast. She mailed cards for every occasion which likely contained a sticker or two, usually of animals, and were signed by herself and all her critters. Her writing carried over to her journaling hobby, as she journaled daily for many years. She was never in a hurry and drove her car the same way. Her lipstick or as she called it, her “lick stick” was never far from her hand. Sharon had a nickname for everybody! She had a funny sense of humor and would always be honest about her thoughts. She cherished her friends and family very much. Sharon would say, “later” never, “goodbye”. So, “later” Mom. We love you and you will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her daughters, Amy Francisco (Bobby) of North Platte and Shecky Francisco (Wally) of Gering; brother, Steve Johnson; grandchildren, Sierra (DJ) Kearns, Sharalee (Brent) Rinke, Ethan (Abbi) Riffel, Shianne (Brad) Riotto, and Haylee Francisco; five great-grandchildren; two nephews and one niece; her four beloved kitties, especially Jackson; and her gentle, giant granddog, Hennessy.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Vance and Margaret Johnson; grandson, Seth Shaver; former husband, Robert Francisco; and best friend and sister-in-law, Marilyn Johnson.

Special thanks to Heritage Estates and special friends, Julianne Artery, Amy Trauernicht, Chris Struempler, and last but not least, the “Big Dog” Hennessy, for all the special visits, support, and care throughout her final year.