AnnFrances Tropea

Our dearest angel AnnFrances passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at Princess Margaret Hospital. Cherished daughter to Anna Maria and Tony. Loving and devoted sister to Robert and David. Will be sadly missed by her grandmothers Enza Tropea and Leonarda Ricco. AnnFrances is now reunited in heaven with her grandfathers Antonio Tropea and Frank Ricco. Predeceased by great grandmothers, Lucia Tropea and Carmela Ricco.

AnnFrances was consistently an exceptional student in both elementary and high school. She attended St. David Catholic Elementary School and St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School in Maple, where she graduated with honours and as an Ontario Scholar. Despite being homeschooled in grade 11 due to her illness, she returned to school for her final year and graduated against all odds. Ann Frances was destined for University. She was accepted at all Universities of her choice.

AnnFrances’ passion and love for life was exhibited through her pursuits of dance, drama, and soccer, with a zeal for travel. AnnFrances danced from the ripe age of 2 until her final year of high school, when she returned from her first cancer treatment and surgery. She won the drama award in grade 8. AnnFrances and family loved to travel, taking trips to Cuba, Florida, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, and a final family trip to Turks and Caicos. In spite of all of her pain, AnnFrances frequently sought a hearty laugh and a night out with friends or family.

At 16, AnnFrances was first diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her left femur. Over the course of 3 years, she endured 13 rounds of chemotherapy, 5 rounds of radiation, immunotherapy, as well as femur replacement and lung surgery. Given AnnFrances’ long battle with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that is common in youth and young adults, it is imperative to raise awareness to conquer this terrible disease. It is through this that we can ensure AnnFrances’ memory will continue to live on.

AnnFrances’ battle with cancer mirrored an iconic Canadian- Terry Fox. Almost 4 decades after he started the Marathon of Hope, we are still trying to find a cure so that his wish will continue: to provide hope for others. AnnFrances passed away on the same day as Terry Fox, with the same disease. We want to continue to honour AnnFrances’ memory by bringing greater attention to eradicating this form of cancer.

The family would like to thank all the staff at University Health Network, in particular Drs. Al-Awamer, Cypel, Razak, and Wunder for their endless efforts in trying to save AnnFrances from her battle with osteosarcoma. All the wonderful and unique nurses who worked non stop and dedicated their time to patients on the ward. A heartfelt thanks to all!

Our dearest and beautiful niece will be sadly missed by Zio Ciro and Zia Carmela, Zio Nick and Zia Lucrezia, Zio Adrian and Zia Bruna, Zio Phil and Zia Lydia and Zio Vince. Sadly missed and forever in our hearts, cousins: Gianluca, Julia (Andre), Francesco, Dina, Diana, Frankie, Anthony, Spencer (Laura) and Bronson.

Our angelic AnnFrances was a gift from God to show what love is. She was cherished by all! AnnFrances will always be remembered and never forgotten, she will remain forever in our hearts. There will always be a places set for AnnFrances at our table on family events and celebrations. Your seat will never be empty at Zia Carmela’s house.

“AnnFrances is now dancing with God”