Frances “Francine” Rita Gould

Frances Rita Gould, age 83 of Hampstead, North Carolina, went home to her Heavenly Father on her birthday, October, 21, 2021.

Francine, as she was affectionately known, was born to Amelia and John Sirugo in Manhattan, NY on October 21, 1938.

Francine was married to her eternal love Robert Gould on February 18, 1972. Their marriage is an example of a loving and caring relationship. They were never afraid to share their love for each other; from verbal expressions to holding hands wherever they went after nearly 50 years of marriage.

After raising seven children, Francine went on to receive a Bachelors Degree in Education to pursue teaching opportunities. She relished the role of teaching young minds. As many people know, Francine was always on the go and she expected others to keep up. She was an active member of many community organizations including The Relief Society, the library book club, and the American Legion Auxiliary, as well as quilting and crocheting groups. Shortly after moving to Hampstead, she helped found the Hampstead Community Chorus, where she served as President for seven years.

As her friends and family knew, Francine was quite the game person. She loved all sorts of table games including Dominoes, Uno, Mah Jongg, and any form of card games. When you came to visit her, you ultimately had to sit and play for some time. Her favorite game of all was Scrabble. She was known to lull you into thinking you had an edge, and then dropping a triple plus double to score big points.

Francine was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She always taught us to try and learn something new everyday. She was as smart as they come, fiercely loyal, and protective of her family.

Francine was an active member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for over 50 years, her faith in the Lord was unquestionable. Anyone that has ever heard her bear her testimony would undoubtedly agree. She never stopped trying to spread the gospel to those around her. She loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart, mind, and soul. All who knew her felt her special spirit.

Francine is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Robert Arthur Gould, by her children Richard Fusco, Robert Fusco, Glenn Gould, Angela Gould, John Gould, and James Stavrinos, and by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and friends who she loved dearly.

Francine is predeceased by her parents as well as her beloved daughter Diana Fusco, her sister Vivian Rodenberg, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Francine’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.

Services will be on Friday, October 29, 2021, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 102 Deerfield Drive, Hampstead.

Visitation will be at 10:00am with services following at 11:00am.

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.