HAVERHILL: Giselda Franco, 46, died peacefully February 16th at her home, surrounded by her family, following a long battle with cancer.

Born in Santo Domingo on June 12, 1962, she was the daughter of Bernardo Franco and the late Elsa (Quinonez) Franco.

Giselda graduated from Lawrence High School Class of 1980, and continued her education at the University of Mass Amherst graduating in 1984. She had worked in the regulatory affairs department of Medtronics for five years, and then as a salesperson of medical devices for Teleflex until her medical conditions precluded further employment. She was a member of First Baptist Church. As a devoted mother she cherished the time caring for and nurturing her family. She also enjoyed traveling and eating out.

Giselda is survived by her daughters, Karolina and Karina Rijo of Haverhill; siblings, Maura A. Sanchez of Lowell, Janette Franco of Florida, Daisy Franco of the Dominican Republic, Dino Franco and his wife Augustina, Alejandro Franco, both of New York, and several nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday February 28, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 217 Main Street, Haverhill. Arrangements by Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill. Donations in Giselda's memory may be made to her daughters in care of the First Baptist Church, 217 Main Street, Haverhill, MA 01830.

Online condolences may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com