Francesca J. Sarina

Frances Sarina was born in New York City to Swiss immigrants Mario Sarina and Lea Stucker. Showing both an independent streak as well her signature sense of adventure at an early age, she moved her entire family to Los Angeles when she was just 18. There, she met her future husband Lou, and became employed with United Airlines as a reservation agent. Frances changed her name to Sarina Ames, Sr. after her divorce in 1975, and moved with her daughter Sarina Jr. and mother to Bainbridge Island in 1977, where she lived for over 30 years. She was very active in many community organizations throughout the 80's and 90's, including the Food Co-op, Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church, and the Bainbridge Island Sportsmen's Club, and was one of the founding leaders of the Hare Raisers 4-H club. Loyal and tenacious, Sarina worked for United Airlines for 37 years, eventually enjoying her position as shop steward for the IAM union (AFL-CIO). A world traveler, she visited every continent but Antarctica and Africa in her lifetime, and enjoyed sharing many such adventures with those she loved. After her retirement in 2003, she moved to Suquamish to spend more time with her family. She became active in the Suquamish United Church of Christ, where she volunteered in various roles and co-founded the Suquamish Community kitchen. She also enjoyed working part-time at the Rolling Bay Post Office, and volunteering for the Bainbridge Island Senior Center and The Bloedel Reserve.Sarina was known for her flamboyant personality and eclectic interests, enthusiasm for community projects, delicious home cooking and dinner parties, and especially her big heart. She will be sorely missed by her surviving family - sister Aimee Kubik of San Diego, CA, daughter Sarina Jr., son-in-law Dan McDonald, and grandsons Will and Tyler of Suquamish - and a great many friends. All who wish to remember her are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, May 30th, at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church at 1pm. To sign the online guest book for the family, please visit www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to the Bloedel Reserve are encouraged.