Francine Dee Brice

Francine Dee Brice, of Orlando, Florida, passed away peacefully with her son and husband by her side on January 25, 2024 at the age of 74. Francine was born in Queens, New York to the late Frank G. Patarino and the late Dee H. Patarino on December 4, 1949. Francine and her family moved to Levittown, New York in 1951 as part of the first wave of people to live in the newly constructed master-planned city on Long Island. In the summer of 1963, the family moved again to another part of Long Island: Smithtown, New York. Francine graduated from Smithtown Central High School in 1967. After graduation, Francine moved out of the state to begin her college education, first attending Susquehanna University before transferring to Virginia Commonwealth University. Francine completed a summer study abroad program at the University of Oxford before graduating with a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1971 from Virginia Commonwealth University. Francine moved back to Smithtown to work at The Smithtown News as a journalist. To further her education, Francine enrolled at the University of Florida to pursue a master’s degree in journalism. She graduated in 1975, completing a thesis project that studied a fundraising and development program for Florida colleges and universities. Upon graduation, she moved to Orlando, Florida, to follow her best friend from her time at the University of Florida, Celia Myres. In Orlando, Francine worked as a manager of orders and inventory for Will Ross and later Upjohn.

Francine met the love of her life, Clay Brice, one day in 1985 while walking her dog, Clifford, around the condominium complex where she and Clay lived. “The cute guy around the corner” and Francine wed on November 15, 1986. The couple gave birth to their only child, a boy they named David Clay Brice, on September 28, 1990. Francine took great joy in volunteering at David’s schools and attending his music concerts and sporting events. She used her journalism background to contribute to the Triune Weekly (now the Trinity Weekly) newsletter for Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Orlando as well as revitalize and edit the quarterly Smoke Signals newsletter for William R. Boone High School, also in Orlando, while David attended those schools. Francine enjoyed traveling with her family all over the United States, from Hawaii and Alaska to Massachusetts and New York. She was an avid Florida Gators fan from her time at the University of Florida and loved to make crafts. Most family members and friends have at least one amazing cross stitch ornament from Francine that hangs on their Christmas tree every year. In addition to her crafts, she was a master at solving puzzles and enjoyed her quiet time reading mystery novels with the family dog, Emily, by her side.

Overall, Francine valued her family above all other worldly things. She was a passionate supporter of her close family and took care of her mother during her later years. Francine was also the liaison between her mother’s and father’s families, the Dubberkes and Patarinos, respectively. She was an integral part of the extended Brice family and was a fixture at holiday parties. Francine was always one of the first to offer gifts during times of celebration and support in times of need.

Francine was preceded in death by her parents; and, survived by her brother Frank H. Patarino, husband Clay S. Brice, and son David C. Brice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Woodlawn Funeral Home in Gotha, Florida. A celebration of Francine’s life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church (123 East Livingston Street, Orlando, Florida 32801) on Saturday February 3 at 1:00 PM. The following day, Sunday February 4, a public viewing will be held at 2:00 PM, followed by her interment at 4:00 PM, at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home (400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, Florida 34734). In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her name. See below for direct link.

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