Obituary of Francia Vargas

February 19, 1937 – May 18, 2024

María Isabel Francia Vargas was born on February 19, 1937, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She was one of twelve siblings, and the daughter of Delio Vargas and Margarita Terrero.

She grew up with her aunt, Esperanza Batista Perez, and her husband, Rafael Perez y Perez, in Santo Domingo. She would travel to Barahona during the summertime to visit her siblings and extended family, who mainly lived in the area. She graduated from Luisa Ozema Pellerano Secondary School.

After high school, she went to Barahona and worked as a sales associate at “El Encanto.” She also taught reading and math at a small school. On May 8, 1971, she immigrated to the United States. She lived in Washington Heights with her sister, Argentina, and her family. Francia played a large role in raising Argentina’s two children, Maribel and Julio Perez.

In Washington Heights, Francia worked in various factories. Towards the end of the 70s, Francia attended classes in New York to obtain her High School Equivalency Diploma. She was granted her high school equivalency diploma from the University of the State of New York in 1979. Her longest-standing position during her years of work was at the Javits Convention Center, where she retired.

Francia was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend. She is survived by her beloved siblings, her son, Wanden Vargas, her many nieces and nephews, her grandchildren, Isaura and Wanda Vargas, and extended family.

Francia was a music lover. Her favorites included boleros, merengues, and salsas from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. Francia was an avid dancer and greatly enjoyed social dancing. She had an extensive record collection. Her favorite artists included Robert Yanee, Roberto Ledesma, Altemar Dutra, Marco Antonio Muñiz, and Juan Luis Guerra. She enjoyed watching telenovelas, and her favorite television shows included “Sabado Gigante,” “El Gordo y la Flaca,” and “Santo Domingo Invita.” She visited Santo Domingo often, and she enjoyed visiting restaurants there, particularly “El Napolitano,” where she was known by the owner. She loved to travel and spend time with her very close friends. She was an avid reader who loved poetry, fiction, and biographies.

A viewing will be held on May 21, 2024, from 4 pm to 8 pm at Riverdale Funeral Home, located at 5044 Broadway, New York, NY 10034.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Always Home Care and staff, MJHS Hospice, and Riverdale Funeral Home. Her final resting place will be at Puerta del Sol Cemetery in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.