Frances Marie Nitschman

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Frances Marie Nitschman. She was 96 year old, born August 14, 1930 in Brawley, a farm town near Turlock, CA.

She moved to Sacramento, started work, for many years, in the cafeteria of Kinney High School, a continuation program.  At her interview the gentleman said “Do you have any previous cooking experience?” Frances said “Well, I do have eight kids.”

She enjoyed several activities, gardening, bowling, bingo gatherings, camping and house boating. Two of her favorites were music and dancing. Frances also enjoyed going to casinos. She loved to travel back to Mazatlan, Mexico area with her brothers and sisters and their families to see areas where her parents once lived.

She was kind with a generous heart and always made others feel loved and included. During the Christmas Holidays, we would always have new friends come over and partake in our silliness and to enjoy her homemade tamales.

She is survived by her children, Lawrence Lopez, living in Los Angeles, Fred Lopez, Andy Lopez, and Steve Lopez, alongside 3 daughters, Nancy and husband Jim Howard of Sacramento, Kathy and husband Dennis Martinelli, living in Dayton, NV and Sally Gutierrez, along with 16 Grand children, 43 Great Grandchildren and 7 Great Great Grandchildren most from Sacramento, CA. She is preceded in death by her son Edward (Eddie) Lopez.

In the morning of August 27, 2026, Frances took her last breath peacefully at her home in Sacramento along side loved ones. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in our hearts.

Funeral services will be held for Frances on Saturday, September 19, 2026, with visitation at 1:00pm, followed by Mass at 2:00pm. All services will be at St. Mary Funeral Center, 6509 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA 95820. After Mass a reception will be held from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, also at St. Mary Funeral Center.