Linda Lee Eubanks Lanfranco

Former Fresno native Linda Lee Lanfranco, died in New York City early Saturday morning, February 2, 2013, after a long illness. She was 73. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and sister, a great friend to all who knew her, and by everyone for her accomplishments in the kitchen.

Linda was a member of Fowler High School Class of 1958. After graduation she worked as a histologist in a pathological and clinical laboratory. Linda Eubanks eloped with Albert Lanfranco marrying in Reno, Nevada on Washington's Birthday in February 1963. She passed away less than three weeks from celebrating her fiftieth wedding anniversary.

After getting married, Linda became a homemaker while her husband pursued a peripatetic career in the wine and spirits industry. Besides Fresno, Linda and Albert lived in Portland Or., Phoenix, Sacramento, Denver, St. Louis, Chicago, San Mateo, Stamford Ct., West Hills Ca., Redondo Beach then finally midtown Manhattan. In each of these cities Linda honed her passion for fine dining and entertainment.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Dumas Pere School of French Cuisine in Chicago. In San Francisco she studied under noted pastry chef Jack Lirio as well as took courses from Josephine Araldo. She learned classic Northern Italian cooking from Guiliano Bugialli in Manhattan. Linda was a member of the James Beard Foundation and was acknowledged for her research work in eight editions of the group's annual Restaurant Directory.

Linda is survived by her husband Albert; their son, Edward and his wife Linda Yantian; daughter CeCe; sister, Barbara Eubanks; brother, Gary Wynn and his wife Cathie Sousa-Wynn, and their children, Chris Sousa Wynn and his wife Charise and their son, Ronan of San Marcos, Tx., MarynBeth Sousa-Wynn of Las Vegas, Nv., Andrew Sousa-Wynn and his fiancé Jennifer Roush of Escondido, Ca, and Matthew Sousa-Wynn of Fresno, Ca; sister-in-law, Frances Lanfranco; and brother-in-law, Gary Lanfranco and his wife Judy and their children, Joseph and Sarah of Fresno, Ca.

A Memorial Service will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Saturday, February 9, 2013, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers Linda's family requests that any remembrances be made in her name to the individual's favorite charitable organization.