Frances "Francie" Rae Hammond

Frances Rae Hammond was born on December 30, 1952 in Martinsburg, West Virginia to Raymond Francis Holland and Julia Long Holland. On December 10, 2025, she lost a brave and determined battle with glioblastoma.  

Francie devoted nearly four decades to teaching with DoDDS, a career that took her across the globe. From Iwakuni, Japan, to Incirlik, Turkey, and finally to her last assignment at NAS Sigonella, Italy, she embraced the world fully, forming lasting friendships and meaningful connections everywhere she went. After retiring, Francie split her time between Sicily and Florida with her husband of five years, Gianni Sessa, and their beloved pup, Pugly.

Francie loved travel and the arts, she had a deep passion for teaching, and more than anything—she loved to laugh. Her laugh was unmistakable: full, joyful, and contagious, always paired with a mischievous grin. Even as illness slowly took her from us, Francie maintained her bright and humorous outlook on life. More than once she pointed out that cancer was not on her bucket list—it belonged on another list that rhymes with “bucket list.”

Francie spent her final months in Sarasota, Florida, surrounded by love and devoted care from her husband, Gianni; her sisters, Drenna Holland Reineck and Sue Ramos; and her brother, Daniel Bohn.

She leaves behind brokenhearted friends and family, including her nieces Kristin Reineck, Jennifer Reineck Shields, and Meaghan Bohn; her nephews Samuel, Gabel, and Nathan Bohn; her cousin Michael Berry; and extended family in Sicily who loved her dearly.

Francie’s last good day was spent celebrating an early birthday with friends and family on December 6. True to who she was, Francie did not want a memorial—she wanted to celebrate while she was still here, and she did just that.

Francie knew she was loved. Her life mattered. She will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in her honor.

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