Francisca Morales Arana

Francisca Arana, a resident of Discovery Village at Westchase, peacefully passed away on the early morning of Saturday, March 4, 2023. She was born 13 July, 1933 in San Antonio, Texas. She was a lifelong resident there except when she and her family were stationed overseas with her husband Carlos, who was in the Air Force.

Francisca, also affectionately known as Susie to her friends and Sue Sue to her grandchildren, was married to Carlos Arana for 58 years and who predeceased Susie in 2017. She is survived by her daughters Irma (Marlin) Saar, of Tampa; Linda (John Birdwell) of Ponte Vedra, Fl; and son John of San Antonio, Texas. Francisca was also predeceased by her youngest daughter Carla in 1971. Francisca had 9 grandchildren – Justin (Sara), Kevin (Christina) and Carla Saar; Shannon, April, and James Arana; Ben (Caroline) Woodard, Amy Venn and Heather Carrol. She also had 11 great-grandchildren who she loved very much. Francisca was the second oldest of six siblings. She has one surviving sister, Margarita Velasquez of San Antonio. She also had many nieces and nephews.

Francisca was fun loving and always made everyone feel welcome with open arms in her home. She was known as a great cook and took great enjoyment in entertaining family and friends there. She was known as a wonderful seamstress and women of many talents. She loved all of her pets, especially her beloved Chihuahuas. Susie wasn’t one to volunteer or join any clubs but she was the first one to help out anyone in need, at any time. Her greatest joys were spending summers with her grandchildren and having big celebrations with her family. Her earthly time with us may have stopped on that Saturday morning, but we carry all our love and memories of her in our hearts to be cherished every day.

A visitation for Francisca will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33614.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gonzalezfuneral.com for the Arana family.