Frances Margaret Holzknecht

Frances Margaret Sparacio Holzknecht passed away peacefully at her home in Lynchburg Virginia, at the age of 92, surrounded by family, Born on August 1, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York to Philip and Josephine Sparacio, November 5, 2025 marked the passing of the matriarch and eldest surviving member of The Greatest Generation" on both sides of her extended family.

Frances had great passion for education and learning, attaining a teaching degree from Adelph University and teaching mathematics well into her 80's at both private and public schools, at the high school and university levels. She taught in New York at Massapequa High School, North Shore Christian School and Smithtown Christian School, and later in Lynchburg, Virginia at Timberlake Christian School, E. C. Glass High School, and Liberty University.

Frances was married in 1955 to Richard Anthony Holzknecht Sr., the culmination of a 15-year, across-the-street childhood friendship that began when she was seven and he was eight years old. They were married for 44 years, until Richard's death in 1999.

Frances is survived by her six children and one bonus daughter by heart. Richard (Joy) Holzknecht, Joanne (John) Sobola, Philip (Maritza) Holzknecht, James Holzknecht, Tom (Brenda) Holzknecht, Maria (Joseph) Brown, and MyLoan Tranthimai. Her legacy includes 27 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren who daily infused life into her home and brought her much joy. Frances was preceded in death by her sisters, Natalie Mastanduno and Geraldine Fazio, daughter-in-law, Jennifer Jo Holzknecht and great granddaughter Alorabelle Reign.

Above all, Frances loved Jesus, desiring that "none would be lost," and that all would come to know Him as Lord and Savior. Her faith fueled her legendary hospitality, as her home with "Elijah's Chamber" guest quarters was always open to family, friends, and a continual stream of pilgrims, refugees and strangers. Though she will be tremendously missed, "we do not grieve as those who have no hope". She passed the torch of faith to all her children, who know with certainty that they will see her again, as will all who have placed their hope and trust in Jesus

Visitation will be held at Whitten Timberlake Chapel on Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, Virginia on November 22, 2025 from 9:00 AM-10:30 AM, followed by a chapel service, graveside memorial, and a luncheon at Tree of Life Church on Greenview Drive, Lynchburg, VA.

In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made to a charity close to her heart, the "Challenged Sports Exchange", Lynchburg. VA. Frances also supported the Godparent Home, Lynchburg, VA and the Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center, Lynchburg. VA.