Francisca "Panchita" Avalos, age 88, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026. She was born on April 2, 1938, in Carrizo Springs, Texas, and was raised in Asherton, Texas.

Family was the heart and soul of Francisca’s life and her greatest blessing. She was fiercely devoted to those she loved, always placing the needs of her three children—Pete Rojas, Janet Garza, and Alberto Estrada—before her own. Her love extended across generations as she proudly embraced her role as a grandmother to 17 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 27 great-grandchildren. Each one held a treasured place in her heart and reflected the love, values, and traditions she poured into her family. She cherished every moment spent with them and found immeasurable happiness in watching her family grow. Her presence and life with her always resonated home; A place of warmth, laughter, and unconditional love, where everyone was welcomed with open arms and left with cherished memories.

Francisca embraced life with a fierce and vibrant spirit, a powerful presence, and an elegance that reflected her strength, grace, and class. She loved dancing, playing bingo, visiting the casino, and, above all, spending time with the people who meant the most to her. A unique woman of God with unwavering faith, she loved Jesus Christ with all her heart and found strength, comfort, and hope in her relationship with Him throughout her life. Her kind heart, gentle spirit, and joyful laughter brought light to every room and made those around her feel deeply loved.

Her remarkable strength, quiet resilience, steadfast faith, and boundless compassion inspired everyone who knew her. Through the way she lived and cared for others, she reflected the love of Jesus Christ, leaving behind a legacy of grace, perseverance, generosity, and unconditional love that will remain a beacon for her family and all whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Guillermo "Willie" Estrada, Felix Estrada, Paulita Mendoza, Maria E. Salazar, and Angelica Casiano. She is survived by her brother, Ramon Castillo. She was the beloved daughter of Gumecinda Martinez Castillo and late wife to Juan Avalos.

Francisca will be forever remembered for the extraordinary devotion and care she poured into the lives of those around her. Her generosity, selflessness, warmth, and joyful spirit reflected the beauty of her heart and the compassion that guided her throughout her life. The traditions she cherished, the values she instilled, and the countless moments of grace and kindness she shared will echo through the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her. The memories she created—the laughter shared, the lessons taught, and the moments of togetherness treasured—will remain a precious reminder of the beautiful life she lived and the impact she made on those around her. Although her loved ones grieve her absence, they find peace and celebrate in the promise that she has been welcomed into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; John 14:1-2 & 1 John 2:25

Family and friends are invited to honor Francisca’s life on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by a Holy Rosary for invited guests at 11:00 AM, with a Liturgy of the Word immediately following.

Though she will be deeply missed, Francisca will forever be an enduring source of comfort and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.