Frances H. Pavlovich was born June 1, 1938, in Sacramento, CA, to Rikard and Mary Radovanovich, immigrants from the island of Korcula in modern day Croatia. Fran joined three older sisters and completed the family. She peacefully slipped into eternity the morning of June 30, 2025, at the age of 87, in Fresno, CA.
Fran’s childhood and adolescent years were spent in Sacramento. The family navigated the challenges of life together and supported each other throughout. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1955, she went to work for the State of California embarking on her career as an executive secretary. Her friendship with high school friend Pat Keys eventually led to a blind date with Nicholas Pavlovich in 1958. That very night Fran told Pat that she had met the man she would marry and the rest is history. Nick and Fran married August 27, 1960. Four children later the family was complete. While Nick launched into a career in city government, Fran’s career focus shifted to being a loving and supportive wife and a most amazing mom. Nick’s career took the family to Madera, Reedley and Selma. Along the way the family developed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Becoming a grandmother was one of her life’s greatest joys.
Fran is a lasting example of courage, grace and strength. Parkinson’s disease was her constant companion for the last twenty-five years. Over time she slowly lost her independence but she never lost her positive attitude. She was a devout Catholic whose faith in God never wavered. Not once did she complain about nor question the cross she was given to bear.
Fran is survived by her husband Nick, daughter Mary Ann Cusator (Mark), sons Mike Pavlovich (Lisa), Nick Pavlovich (Nette) and Mark Pavlovich (Jennifer) as well as grandchildren Wendie and Max (Sarah) Cusator; Nicole, Aaron and Ty (fiancé Bailey) Pavlovich; Nicholas and Charles Pavlovich; Ryan and Jenna Pavlovich and sister-in-law Judy Pavlovich. She was blessed with cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. Fran was welcomed into Heaven by her parents Rikard and Mary Radovanovich, stepfather Andy Radman, sisters Mary Allinger (Ray), Jennie Sloan (Dick), Nellie Larson; in-laws Mato and Pera Pavlovich, brother-in-law Anthony Pavlovich; nephew William Sloan and great nephew Jeffrey Larson.
The family is grateful to Hinds Hospice and North Point Health Care Center & Wellness Centre for the compassionate care and attention provided to our wife, mom and grandmother.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary is scheduled for 10:00am, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00am at St. Paul Catholic Newman Center, 1572 E. Barstow Ave, Fresno, CA. Burial will be immediately following mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, 264 N. Blythe Ave., Fresno, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
