Frances Holli Sgarlatti

One of the best things about being Frances Holli Sgarlatti’s friend was her laugh. Frances’ laugh was a thunderous boom of joy followed by short lightening bursts of giggles. She would then hold her left hand over her mouth and her right hand on her vibrating stomach. She was a hoot!

Unfortunately, we lost our Frances too early and suddenly: she was only 59, and she died from diabetic complications. Based upon her vegan lifestyle and her concern for her health, we believe Frances was unaware of her diabetes. We believe, if she had known she had diabetes, she would have changed her eating habits and/or taken medications to manage the condition. We laid Frances to rest next to her father, Frank Sgarlatti—who preceded her in death.

Frances was born and lived her life in the Denver-metropolitan area. She attended Hulstrom Elementary, Northeast Jr. High, and Northglenn High School.

After graduating high school, Frances enrolled in the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver). During her university years, Frances became a passionate promoter of justice. While attending the CU Denver, she ran for statewide offices. Frances is probably best known for running for a seat on the CU Board of Regents in 1984. She ran because she thought CU students should have more control over their education and over the decisions their university made. Though she did not win the seat, Frances garnered more votes than the Democratic presidential team of Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro--who also ran that year. In 1986, Frances ran in the Democratic primary for Colorado District 2 congressional seat. Frances graduated from CU Denver in 1989 with a B.A. in Political Science.

Frances’ desire for equal rights for women powered her volunteerism. She helped and donated to the Rape Assistance and Awareness Program, Take Back the Night Foundation, and Colorado NARAL. Until her death, Frances contributed to and campaigned for Democratic candidates.

Justice imbued every aspect of Frances’ life. During her last 20 years, she worked for the Regional Transportation District (RTD) of Denver, Colorado. Frances was a strong, vocal member of her union. Though she worked in customer service, Frances was concerned about all RTD workers—especially bus drivers. One of her last loving acts was making masks for coworkers—including bus drivers, friends, and family. Frances created masks on her own time and from cloth purchased with her personal funds. Frances’ supervisors and co-workers describe her as being truly dedicated, a loyal friend, a thoughtful individual, and a remarkable woman.

In her spare time, Frances loved singing, writing music, and dancing. From the 1980’s-early 2000’s, France shared her sultry voice through singing and DJing. During this time, she also danced at her favorite spot, the Grizzly Rose.

Frances loved sewing and created a line of fashions under the name “Frankie Star Collection”. She was also an animal lover, and a mother of Frankie, a talkative cat.

Frances lived her life with dignity and respect for others. She created a network of close friends who became her family. We will dearly miss her. In lieu of sending flowers, please donate to your local American Diabetes Association or Planned Parenthood.