Frances R. Cairns

June 14, 1925 - June 1, 2021

Frances passed away, surrounded by her loving family, two weeks short of her 96th birthday. Born in San Francisco to her late parents, Joseph F. and Assunta (née Calleja) Sant. She was also predeceased by her sister & brother-in-law, Grace (Samuel Fernandez), her sister, baby Frances, her brother & sister-in-law, John M. (Jenny) Sant; her nephew, Joseph A. Sant; and daughter-in-law, Anna Cairns.

Frances grew up in the Portola District and loved to reminisce with her family about “the old neighborhood.” Whether it was going “down the road” to San Bruno Avenue, going to the Avenue Theater on Saturday morning to watch a double feature, playing in the park across the street from the family home on Hamilton Street, going with her sister Grace to “drag” their brother “Johnny” down the road to buy a single roll of toilet paper, going to E.R. Taylor Elementary School or attending catechism and the Sunday 9:30AM children’s mass at St. Elizabeth church, where Fr. Clifford reminded the children every week to keep those buffalos (nickels) quiet when put into the collection basket. She graduated from Balboa High School and always reminded us, how the student body sat in the gym to listen to President Roosevelt declare war after the attack on Pearl Harbor. After graduation high school Frances became a pioneer in law enforcement, becoming one of the first female Sheriff’s in San Francisco. She would proudly retire after 28 years of dedicated service.

After retirement, Frances dedicated herself to her family. She would “go to work” with her mother each morning which would include either shopping, lunch, going to church, or attending a funeral, but always being home in time for Assunta to prepare a multi course dinner. She also became a chauffer, driving kids to and from school & sports practices and making sure they were fed and well taken care of. She helped rear numerous members of the family, far beyond her children. She was a leader in our family and all are grateful for her love and support. A woman of great conviction, it was joked that she was to be “loved, honored, and obeyed.” The nucleus of the family, people would often call her for advice or visit her for her company and homemade custard or cake. Frances loved her family and being around them, “watching these kids grow and have their own kids.”

Frances was a longtime, and proud, San Francisco Giants and Warriors fan. She even claimed that Klay Thompson was her boyfriend, but he came second to her first and favorite boyfriend, Engelbert Humperdinck.

Grace, Frances, John & Jenny enjoyed traveling to Europe, Alaska, Mexico, going on cruises and taking long California road trips.

Both of Fraces’ parents were Maltese immigrants and she was very proud of her Maltese heritage. She shared her pride through various activities & foods and was very involved for many years at the Maltese American Social Club and the St. Elizabeth Maltese Society. Every year she and Grace sold raffle tickets at the St. Elizabeth’s Annual St. Paul’s Festa. She was also a longtime member of the St. Elizabeth Over 50 Club, Portola Seniors, and the San Francisco Horsemen’s Association.

Of all her great pleasures and joys, nothing made Frances smile more than playing BINGO and going to the casino to play the slots. Whether it was a bus trip or with the family, she would head to the “Wheel of Fortune” machine. She and Grace would wave their hands over the slot wheels and any type of win, would make her happy.

Frances is survived by her loving sons Richard (Wendy) Cairns & Patrick Cairns; her beloved Grandchildren Jeffrey (Joan) Cairns & Shannon (Giacomo Parenti); her cherished Great-Grandsons, Drew & Colton Parenti; proud Aunt to Charles (Anne) Camilleri, Jeanette Santos, Julie Ann Abusharkh, and John L. Sant; adored Great-Aunt to Juan Carlos Santos, Khalil Abusharkh, Jacob (Grace) Abusharkh, Andrea Camilleri & Joshua (Jennifer) Camilleri, Rebecca (Gabriel) Lopez Rivera, and Jeannine Abusharkh; Great-GreatAunt to Amaya, Gianna, & Amelia Camilleri and John & Luke Abusharkh.

Her death marks “the end of an era,” for our family. The last of our family elders. She is reunited with her brother, John, and sister, Grace. All three lived into their nineties and all three passed within one year of each other. While our hearts are deeply sorrowful, we take great comfort that they are all reunited. They are popping champagne, or having a manhattan, laughing, gossiping and once again enjoying each other’s company while eating scrumptious food. She will be missed but will be a treasure in our hearts forever.

Frances’ favorite quote, which we should all aspire for, was, “I had a good life.” Thank you for giving your family a great life.

Due to Covid, services have been held and Frances was laid to rest at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma. Donations may be made to Archbishop Riordan High School in her name, 175 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, CA 94112.