Francette Boling (nee Santamaria), age 89, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, at Springwell in Baltimore, Maryland. A devoted member of her community and a lifelong learner, Francette touched many lives through her work, her volunteerism, and her enduring kindness.

Born on November 22, 1936, in Algiers, Francette pursued higher education in Algeria, graduating from college before beginning a career as a social worker. Her early professional life was marked by a deep commitment to helping others, an ethos that would remain central throughout her life.

After marrying Mark Boling, a Methodist Missionary, and relocating to the United States, Francette worked with the Choral Arts Society before finding her long-term professional home at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. There she served for many years as a Continuing Education Coordinator. In this role, she traveled and supported the ongoing development of medical professionals and contributed meaningfully to the academic mission of one of the nation's leading institutions.

In her younger years, Francette enjoyed camping on the Appalachian Trail, swimming and hiking along the Black Rock River, taking pottery classes at MICA, and cooking traditional French Algerian dishes with friends. The family enjoyed vacations with the Methodist Missionaries in Ventnor, New Jersey, and relaxing weekend stays at the Burton Beach House in Dewey, Delaware.

Outside of work and study, Francette was deeply engaged in cultural and intellectual pursuits. She loved visiting museums, watching foreign films, and attending concerts and lectures. Her passion for learning never waned; she frequently enrolled in JHU Osher continuing-education classes well into her later years. These experiences enriched her life and reflected her belief in the value of lifelong growth.

In her later years, Francette found joy in the simple pleasures of gardening, walking through the neighborhood, baking and donating apple tarts, and spending time with friends and family. In addition, she was an avid reader, attended water aerobics at the YMCA, and participated in many activities at Grace United Methodist Church. She was known for her care and her willingness to lend a helping hand. Her warmth extended beyond her immediate circle.

Francette is remembered with love by her daughter and son-in-law, Christine and Brian Leubecker; her son Phil Boling; her ex daughter-in-law Sarah Boling; her grandchildren Matthew Boling and Blake Boling; her brothers Vincent and Jean-Pierre Santamaria; her sister-in-law Francoise Santamaria, and her many nieces and nephews, Sabine Binder, Claire Binder, Caroline Binder, Romain Santamaria, Elodie Santamaria, Isabelle Santamaria, and Fabrice Santamaria.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Mark Boling; her loving grandson, Jack Boling; her sister, Monique Binder; and her sister-in-law, Danielle Santamaria.

Francette's legacy is one of compassion, curiosity, and quiet strength. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.