Frances Ora Senteno

To her grandchildren, she was known as “Mom,” but to others she was Frances. Frances (Arias) Senteno was received into the Lord’s hands on Monday, April 6, 2026. She was born on September 11, 1947, in Houston, Texas. Frances is survived by her husband of almost 56 years, Gilbert Senteno; sisters Josephine Sustaita (Manuel), Mary Colunga (George), Gloria Romero (Luis); children Cynthia Ortega, (Jesse), Ryan Senteno, Lee Senteno; and her 10 grandchildren; Julie, Andrew, Bryan, Erica, Michael, Anthony, Vincent, Daniel, Gia, and Simon.

Frances was born and raised in Houston, where her love of learning took root early. Education ran deep in her family — her father had studied education at the University of Houston, and her aunt, Delfina Martinez, was a dedicated educator in Wichita Falls,

Texas. Following in their footsteps, Frances attended the University of Houston, where she earned both her Bachelor's degree and her Master's in Education (M.Ed.).

She devoted more than 30 years of her life to HISD, rising steadily from teacher to counselor, to assistant principal, and ultimately to principal. Her greatest passion was elementary education — and the children and families she served every day. At Northline Elementary, she found a way to bring together her two deepest loves: education and faith. She arranged for Assumption Church to hold religious education classes on campus after school, which grew into a full suite of community programs — ESL classes, sewing classes, citizenship preparation, and tutoring for children. She researched and secured several grants to fund these programs, ensuring that the Northline community had access to resources that reached far beyond the classroom.

Her dedication did not go unnoticed. In August 2001, Frances received an award from the families of Northline Elementary for her Leadership and Guidance. She retired in 2002 after more than 30 years with HISD — but if you asked Frances what her greatest

accomplishment in life was, she would simply respond: "putting herself in God's hands."

Outside of her career, Frances found deep joy in her garden. She had a special love for roses, orchids, and lilies. In her later years, she faced her battle with colon cancer with the same quiet strength and faith that defined her entire life, cared for tenderly by the team at Memorial Hermann over her last five years.

While flowers are a beautiful way to honor her, the family welcomes donations to Memorial Hermann in her name, in gratitude for the exceptional care she received.

Frances was a loving wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother, deeply devoted to her family in every way. She will be forever remembered as a fantastic pie maker, the family historian, a passionate advocate for education, and a lover of all things pink.

She was dearly loved, and she will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held at Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060, US, on April 14, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a Rosary Service at Earthman Resthaven on April 14, 2026, from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4213 Mangum Rd, Houston, TX 77092, US, on April 15, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Committal Service at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, US, on April 15, 2026, from 1:15 pm to 1:45 pm.