Francine Hoft Auclair

Date of Death: December 6, 2023

Danjolell Memorial Home of Broomall

2811 West Chester Pike

Broomall, PA 19008

610-356-4200 |

Thursday 12/14, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Francine Hoft Auclair of Media, passed away peacefully after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer. Upon learning of her passing, a dear friend wrote: “Francine was the truest friend. Oscar Wilde said, ‘the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or in friendship, is conversation.’ You could tell her anything and everything without weighing your words and be beautifully and fully understood. Few things in life were more pleasurable or gratifying than being in conversation with this rarest of beings. It was an extraordinary honor to be in her life, which I’m sure was felt by everyone who knew her. There was about her something of a philosopher, magician, rabbi, comedienne, and possessor of immense warmth. She radiated empathy and crazy Herculean strength. And she was indeed the most devoted Daughter, Mom, Grandmom, and perfect life partner. She will be missed more than is possible to express.”

Francine graduated from Marple Newtown High School in 1972 and West Chester University in 1977. Though her first love was working as an early education teacher, for the majority of her professional career, Francine worked as a paralegal specializing in complex personal injury, medical malpractice and product liability litigation. The first two decades of her career found her working with law firms in New York City and Philadelphia. During the last 13 years of her career, she was affiliated with the Media law office of Michael F.X. Gillin. She retired in 2013.

Francine is survived by: her husband of 44 years, Robert A. Auclair; her daughter, Allison R. Marshaleck (husband Jonathan); and, grandchildren Shane, Grant & Claire Marshaleck, all of whom reside in Media. She is also survived by a sister, Cheryl D’Ambrosio (husband Tony) of West Chester. She was predeceased by: her mother, Estelle Hoft (nee Rifkin); and brothers Steven Young and Harold Hoft, all of Broomall.

Visitation will be held on Thursday Evening, Dec. 14th; 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the D’Anjolell Funeral Home, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 3 International Drive, Suite 200 Rye Brook, NY 10573, https://www.lls.org: or, Arukah Animal International, PO Box 16, Mill Valley, CA 94942-0016, https://www.arukahanimal.org/

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Danjolell Memorial Home of Broomall

2811 West Chester Pike

Broomall, PA 19008

610-356-4200 | Map

Thursday 12/14, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

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Sheldon and I are sending our deepest sympathies to Robert and his family on the passing of Francine. What a lovely lady she was and she will be missed by many.

The sweet kind soul of a beautiful woman. The loyalty, the devotion the unconditional love of a friend. This girl’s beauty radiated from the inside out. Her warm glow will shine softly over us forever . My sweet girl …. I miss you immensely already . Love always Renée

My sincere condolences at the loss of your beautiful sister, Mom, wife. May her memory be a comfort to you.

We have all lost a beautiful part of our lives. So many memories from 7th grade until this beautiful spirit left us. Francine always would listen to you as if you were the only person around. She was there for me during some very dark times in my life and was a true blessing. She "LOVED" her family will all her heart. The world was a better place with her making a difference every day.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Keeping you in prayer in this difficult time

Being in the same space as Francine was a delightful experience. Her sweet and lovely manner was one of serene kindness.

My sincere condolences for your loss. My prayers are with you in this difficult time.

So sorry Bob and Allison. She was an incredible special lady!

It was the winter of 2019, and I was visiting Philly, and Francine and I talked about going to the movies. I persuaded her to see a particular foreign film that was getting rave reviews at one of the greatest theaters anywhere, Bryn Mawr Film Institute. The film was "Parasite," and Francine was not crazy about the idea of subtitles but threw caution to the wind and we met there. Sitting in the back row, huddling close under our jackets, we watched a masterpiece unfold together, and she absolutely loved it and we talked about it many times afterwards. It was a perfect day.

Dear Robert and family, I was so saddened to learn of Francine’s passing. She was such a bright star and she will be in my prayers

I am so sorry to see Francine leave this Earth before I got to know her better. I was drawn to her light and left every conversation we had wanting to know more. She was an amazing woman and mother to my dear friend, Allison. I know she is surrounding Allison and her beautiful family now and they have their own special Angel to watch over them. Her husband, Robert, had her special love on Earth for many years and I hope he still feels it radiating from heaven and surrounding him every day for the rest of his life. Love to all. And peace at this difficult time. Sharon, Ajay & Alex R.

Francine was so strong during this. I was and am impressed with her life. My positive thoughts and admiration for Robert and Allison and the rest of the family are with you.

Steve & I are so sorry for your loss. Much love to everyone in your family. - Lisa

My memories of Francine are of her smile and how she made you feel better about yourself after talking with her. She was a truly special person.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

Francine Hoft Auclair

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