Frances S. Pangburn

Pangburn, Frances S. 1932 – 2024 Set up the bridge tables, crank up the Broadway showtunes and brew up the mocha iced coffee. Heaven will never be the same. Frances S. Pangburn, a 65 year resident of Santa Barbara, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024. Born in 1932 in Poughkeepsie, New York, Fran is survived by daughter Donna (Mark), son Jim (Alison), daughter Catherine (Philip), son Dave (Alisha); four grandchildren Lauren, Michael, Morgan and Kendall; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents George and Margaret, husband Donald, sister Margi and brother George. Fran attended Becker College in Massachusetts and worked at Central Hudson Gas & Electric until meeting the love of her life, Don, in New York. They eventually moved to California where they married in 1957. While raising four children and providing a bustling, loving household in Santa Barbara, Fran was also a representative for Welcome Wagon to assist newcomers to the area. As an early cancer survivor herself in the 1970s, she volunteered in the Reach to Recovery program of the American Cancer Society, visiting and counseling many cancer patients. Fran was always the first to call or visit – with flowers, a smile and a hug – for anyone in need. Fran was a card player – and achieved the level of Sapphire Life Master at bridge. She was a long-time member of the Santa Barbara Bridge Center and competed in national tournaments with great success, becoming one of the top bridge players in the country. She generously mentored others and became an instructor, teaching classes and individual lessons well into her 80’s for aspiring players in the area. Fran was a jokester. Her mission: make you laugh. She was the ‘cool mom.’ She would pull her kids from school for fun local events, to join the audience at live TV shows in Burbank, and for other surprise “Bueller” days off! A hands-on grandparent from day one, ‘Franma’ invented playful games and songs for her young grandkids, and fiercely followed their activities into adulthood. Fran loved to travel and felt fortunate to explore many parts of the world with her siblings and their families. Services were private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her name to a charity of your choice. Fran’s family sends special thanks to Marisa Pasquini for her loving care and friendship.

Frances S. Pangburn

September 15, 1932 - June 24, 2024