Frances Fumiko Hosoya Escobar

April 9, 1921 - September 5, 2018

A resident of San Francisco for over 60 years, Frances was and still is held closely in the hearts of many. Frances was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan to Gimu Furusawa and Suguru Hosoya. She had two older sisters, Chiyoko Hiroi and Fukuko Hosoya. Brilliant and studious, Frances was accepted into the prestigious Tokyo (Kunitachi) College of Music, earning her Bachelor’s degree in music instruction in 1944. After WWII, Frances worked as a bookkeeper at the US Air Force Base at Kisarazu, where she also became organist and assistant choir director for the base methodist church. With the help and sponsorship of her American military friends, she traveled to the United States to further her studies, attending the American University in Washington, D.C. and Seattle Pacific University. She settled down in San Francisco in 1958 and married Sixto Escobar. Their happy life together cut short with his untimely death. Frances raised her two daughters alone. Ever resourceful, she made ends meet by altering clothing, selling Avon cosmetics and working at Macy’s department store. Her skill with numbers enabled her to make a career as a bookkeeper for Foremost, McKesson, and later at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Frances cherished her time working/ volunteering at and visiting the Fine Arts Museums, San Francisco Opera, Symphony and Ballet. Frances’ drive and perseverance led her to a full life. She sang with the Ina Chalis Opera Ensemble, with several church choirs, including Calvary Presbyterian Church, and with Masterworks Chorale. She shared her passion for the arts with her daughters, nephew, grandchildren, grand nieces, grand nephew, friends and acquaintances. Frances’ incredible courage, strength, faith and kindness left an impression on everyone she met. Her gentle spirit will be greatly missed by her loving family and the many dear friends she made all over the world. A Life Celebration will be held Tuesday, October 16, 2018, 1PM at Calvary Presbyterian Church, 2515 Fillmore St. Attendees are welcome to wear a touch of pink. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Easter Seals Bay Area.