Francisca "Frances" Mauricio

Francisca “Frances” Mauricio, 92, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, departed this earthly life on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Born on May 11, 1933, in Malakoff, Texas, to Jose and Hilaria Heredia, Frances lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and community.

Frances was a trailblazer and a passionate advocate for the Hispanic community in Northeast Indiana. She made history as the first Latina graduate of Southside High School Class of 1953, paving the way for generations to follow. After completing beauty school, she began her career as a Beautician before devoting her life to service.

She married Arnold G. Mauricio, her beloved husband of 46 years, and together they built a life centered on helping others. Frances was deeply involved in the Caesar Chavez Migrant Farm Workers Movement and the Farm Labor Organizing Committee, forming lifelong friendships and championing workers’ rights. Her commitment extended to providing affordable housing and promoting homeownership opportunities for Hispanic families.

A woman of strong faith, Frances taught religious education at St. Paul’s and St. Patrick’s Catholic Churches and was an associate to Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters of Victory Noll. For 40 years, she was a member of Christ Renews His Parish. She also played a pivotal role in the America Latina Group, which helped establish a vibrant Hispanic community in Fort Wayne during the early 1980s.

Frances retired from Harvester and Magnavox, leaving behind an enduring legacy of kindness, leadership, and empowerment. Her influence touched countless lives, and her example will continue to inspire.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold G. Mauricio; and siblings Gilbert, Margarito, Vicente, Marcelino, and Pilar Heredia. She is survived by siblings Faustino Heredia of Bloomingdale, IL, Pedro (Lucille) Heredia of Fort Wayne, IN, Delores Delarosa of Prescott, AZ, Mary (Amado) Moreno of Laveen, AZ, and Helen Moreno of Ossian, IN; Children Maria Warneke, Arnold Mauricio Jr, Mark (Jennifer) Mauricio, Theresa York, Rebecca Patterson, and Pauline (Joe) Mauricio all of Fort Wayne, IN; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Frances’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family, friends, and the community she served so selflessly.

Funeral Services are 10:30 am Saturday, January 10, 2026 at St Therese Catholic Church, 2304 Lower Huntington Rd, (46819) with visitation at 9:30 am. Visitation also 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Friday, January 9, 2026 at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Foster Park, 6301 Fairfield Avenue (46807). A Vigil and Rosary Service will begin at 3:30 pm at the funeral home on Friday.

Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery. Fond memories may be shared at www.mccombandsons.com for the family.