Claremont, NH – Francisca Camacho Sanchez (Frances Belanger), 92, passed away peacefully at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, NH on June 27th, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of vibrant love, beautiful gardens, and deep devotion to her family. A resident of the Tolles Home in Claremont, NH, Frances previously spent many happy years in her home on Chase Street, where she and her late husband, Robert, raised their family.
Born on December 22, 1933, in Estremera de Tajo in the Province of Madrid, Spain, Francisca was the cherished daughter of the late Felipe Camacho Sacedo and Marcelina Sanchez Sanchez. It was in Spain that she met the love of her life, Robert J. Belanger, while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. The two were married in Spain on October 4, 1961, and embarked on a lifelong adventure together, moving to the United States in March 1962 and permanently making Claremont their home in 1966.
Frances possessed a joyful spirit that kept her young, active, and full of life even at 92 years old. She took immense pride in the vibrant vegetable and flower gardens she cultivated, always sharing her harvest and blooms with family, friends, and especially her neighbors at the Tolles Home over the past decade. An exceptional baker, she found true joy in gifting her famous pies and pecan tassies. Her skilled hands also knitted beautiful sweaters that will be forever treasured by those lucky enough to receive them. She channelled her incredible work ethic and pride into a house cleaning career that spanned over 40 years. One of her greatest life accomplishments, however, was earning her US citizenship on March 21, 1984, of which she was extremely proud.
She delighted in life’s simple pleasures, from going out for weekend breakfasts to traveling across the United States on vacations with her son Bob, his wife, Lisa, and their family. She also treasured her trips back to Spain every couple of years to visit her roots. Holidays were spent surrounded by family, including her daughter-in-law Lisa’s sister’s family, whose children lovingly adopted her as their own “Grammie Belanger” (also affectionately known as “Macho”). Frances adored singing and dancing, passions eagerly encouraged by her granddaughters, and she brought boundless light and joy to everyone who knew her.
Francisca was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Robert; her parents; her brothers, Marcimo, Mariano, and Francisco (Paco) Camacho; and her sister, Carmen Camacho.
Her beautiful memory will be carried on by her family: her son Robert Belanger and his wife Lisa; her son James Belanger and his partner Annette; her cherished granddaughters, Brittany Young and her husband Hayden, and Ashley Belanger; her grandsons, Jim Belanger and Brandon Belanger; and her adored great-grandson, Elliott Young.
She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and extended family members in Spain. Very special to her were her niece Pilar (Pili) and her late husband Emilio and their children Ruben and Vanessa and their families, Angelina and her late husband Angel and family, Pilar (Tata) and her husband Jose and their family, and her nephew Alberto his wife Mari and family.
Family and friends are invited to honor Francisca’s life on Thursday, July 2nd, at Stringer Funeral Home (146 Broad St, Claremont, NH). Calling hours will begin at 10:00 AM, followed immediately by a memorial service at 11:00 AM.
Donations can be made in her memory to Jack Byrne Center or St. Jude’s.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes