Frances Virginia Purcaro

Fran was best known for her friendship. You’d be hard pressed to find someone who wasn’t a friend of Fran’s. It was not uncommon for a trip to the grocery store to turn into a series of hugs and hellos with friendly faces. It didn’t seem to matter how near or far she was from her home in Dinuba, there would always be someone nearby shouting “Hi Fran!”

While Fran was good at many things, (if you had the pleasure of trying her homemade pomegranate jelly then you know this to be true) hair was her passion for 70 years. After working as a hairstylist for seven years, she opened Vogue Beauty Salon in Dinuba in 1950. Hair trends came & went and for 35 years she was responsible for many of Dinuba’s stylish locks. In 1985, Fran sold her salon but didn’t slow down. After converting a portion of her home into a salon she maintained her craft and longtime friendships with clients. She finally decided to retire in February 2013 at 90 years old, just a little over the common retirement age.

But it wasn’t all work and no play; Fran’s social calendar was consistently full. Always the dedicated Dinuba High alumnus, one could count on finding Fran in the bleachers at the Emperor’s home football games. She was an avid card player, actively attending regular Pinochle and Bunko games. Fran was so dedicated to Dinuba Christian Church that she took on the role of Financial Secretary. In addition to all of this Fran was an active member of several social clubs and non-profits including; The Lucky Ones Good Sam Club, Dinuba Historical Society, and the Women’s Trade Club. If you look up “social” in the dictionary you’ll find a photo of Fran.

Social events aside, Fran could be found hard at work at any one of her numerous hobbies. Baking, crocheting, snow skiing, belly dancing (yes, belly dancing), and spending time with family over heated Spite & Malice card games were among her favorites. Fran enjoyed dining out with friends regularly. She frequented her favorite, Me & Martha’s so often they knew her order by heart.

She will be remembered as a friend to many and a blessing to all those who were lucky enough to know her. Fran leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her two sisters, Eloise Sullivan of San Mateo, California and Phyllis (Dan) Irving of San Andreas, California; Son Kirk and daughter-in-law Patricia of Visalia, California and two grandchildren, Angela and Anthony, as well as one niece and five nephews. Services will be held on Friday the 17th at 10:00 am at Dinuba Christian Church in Dinuba, California, 355 East Saginaw Avenue.