Mary Cecilia Franco

Born on August 3, 1953, in El Paso, Texas, Ceci lived a life rooted in faith, family, and kindness. She moved to Houston in 1973, where she built a beautiful life with her husband, Armando Franco. Together, they created a home filled with love, laughter, prayer, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Ceci was a devoted wife, a loving mother to her daughter Annette Howe and son-in-law Andrew, and a proud and deeply cherished grandmother to Aaron Howe, who was the light of her life. She found her greatest joy in caring for her family—baking for her grandson, sharing laughter, and creating meaningful traditions. She once shared her secret ingredient for baking: love—a reflection of how she lived every day.

For 30 years, Ceci dedicated her life to education, teaching at Shearn Elementary, Askew Elementary, Peck Elementary, Cunningham Elementary, Benavidez Elementary, and Ed White Elementary. She had a special gift for making each child feel seen, valued, and capable, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students.

Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She was actively involved in ACTS retreats and participated in Bible studies at St. Thomas More and St. Laurence Catholic Churches, where she found strength, community, and purpose.

Ceci faced a courageous five-year battle with T-cell lymphoma with grace and unwavering faith. She never complained and remained hopeful, trusting in God through even the most difficult days.

She is survived by her loving husband, Armando Franco; her daughter, Annette Howe, and son-in-law Andrew; her grandson, Aaron Howe; her sisters, Suzan Soltero and her husband Jose Soltero, and Annette Hoy; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Pedro (Pete) Cordova and Amparo (Nena) Cordova; her sister, Elaine Webber; her brother, Arthur Cordova; and her brother-in-laws, Steve Hoy and Gary Webber.

Ceci’s life was a testament to love, faith, and resilience. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

There will be a Visitation on Monday, March 30th from 4PM to 8PM at Settegast-Kopf Funeral Home, during which a rosary and prayer vigil will be held at 5PM with a reception to follow.  A funeral mass will take place at 11 AM on Tuesday, March 31 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Houston with a reception to follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to support T-cell lymphoma research at the following link: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=U5AGMVEQMHXXY