Francine Ann (Masotti) Strain

August 23, 1939 - January 29, 2021

Fran was born in Schenectady, NY on August 23, 1939 and passed away at her home in San Rafael on January 29, 2021 at age 81. She was predeceased by her loving husband, John (2014) and her granddaughter Annika Strain. Survived by her daughter, Erin Elliott (Shane), her sons Michael (Anna) and John (Lisa), and her adoring grandchildren Sabrina, Ryan, Katrina, Maggie, and Stella and her brother, Ed Masotti (Sandra).

She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law, Margaret Bermingham , Maureen Steinbruner, Katie Weitz, Mary Fergus (Patrick) and Brigitte Strain; and brothers-in-law, George Strain (Geraldine), and Terry Strain (Berta). She was predeceased by her parents, Retta and Frank Masotti, sisters Jeanne Cornwell and Phyliss Cheek; her brothersin-law Ed Strain, Al Weitz, Pat Bermingham and Earl Cornwell; and her nephew Eddie Bermingham. She will also be missed by her large and loving family of nieces and nephews, and her many friends.

Fran was a graduate of Dominican College and Mayfield Senior School of the Holy Child Jesus. Her first career as a teacher at Rancho Elementary school was a great prelude to being CEO of the Strain household, where she was clearly the boss. Fran was a frequent volunteer and an active parishioner at St. Isabella’s, where she was also an occasional substitute teacher. She was a dedicated and loyal friend with a warm smile and a great sense of humor. A founding member of the Jelly Sisters, she was a singer on an under played live album from the Red Garter Saloon. Francine loved spending time with her family and friends at Lake Tahoe and the Russian River.

Fran’s most enduring love was for her family. She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, who never missed an opportunity to cheer on her kids and grandkids at sporting and other events.

Private services are being held for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Annika Kelly Strain (AKS) foundation or your favorite charity.