A Life Cut Short

But Never Forgotten! 

"In loving memory of Francesca"

Francesca Norris

May 19, 1994 – July 28, 2019

Francesca Norris passed away 

at the age of 25 

due to a fatal airplane crash

Born on May 19, 1994 to Brian and Maria Norris, Francesca touched countless lives in her short 25 years. Known for her contagious joy, loving smile, quick wit, delicious baked goods, and perfectly painted fingernails, Francesca was a loyal and vivacious woman whose kindness was unending. She left a lasting impression on everyone she met and always lit up the room. Francesca was the flawless balance of being adventurous, patient, and wise.

After graduating in the top of her class at Birdville High School in North Richland Hills, Texas, she attended Baylor University and graduated as a University Scholar. Francesca was brilliant! She was sharp and cultured, yet humble and curious. Not only did Francesca love to learn, she loved to travel. While in high school and college, she became fluent in Spanish by taking trips to and studying in Spain. After college, Francesca spent a year in Thailand teaching English. Effortlessly, Francesca had the intelligence and ambition to do anything she wanted. Following in the path of her father and brother, Francesca chose to see the world as a pilot. There is no doubt that she had found what she loved to do.

Francesca treasured her family, faith, and friends. She was blessed with a loving, large extended family, which was always a priority in her life. Her love for family and friends was evident in all she did.

Throughout her life, Francesca cherished her faith and was involved at Good Shepherd Catholic Community. She had a heart of gold, always willing to help others with selfless love. Francesca was a person one could rely on whenever they needed her, she always had a piece of advice and a listening ear. Francesca will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of Francesca’s life was held at Good Shephard Catholic Community, 1000 Tinker Road, Colleyville, TX 76034. The turn out was incredible...close to 1000 friends and relatives and a virtual sea of uniforms. There was a flyover afterwards.

Cards and condolences can be sent to the family:
Brian, Maria and Alec Norris
7029 Herman Jared Dr.
North Richland Hills, TX 76182

Giving Back in

 Francesca's Memory

The International Society of Women Airlines Pilots (ISA) are ensuring that Francesca's memory and passion will carry on through others. ISA has collected just over $25,000 since Francesca died—enough for at least five scholarships in Francesca's name! They will keep collecting and help as many women as they can, in an ongoing memorial for years to come.

100% of the money goes to CFI/CFII/MEI scholarships for women whose stated career goal is to be an airline pilot. ISA and Francesca are giving the gift of flight.

Donate in Francesca's memory

Go to the: ISA Contributions page

(Sample page below)

Fill in your Contact Information

Then go to Contribution Details.

Select in "Memory of" in the drop down box

and write Francesca

Your donation will go to her memory 

gifting a scholarship

to another young woman. 

Please tell anyone who needs a scholarship to go to 

our scholarship page for information.

I stare at Francesca's picture and I can feel her joy and love for life. The world should have been hers. I believe it was for a short time. My heart goes out to her family and friends, and I pray they will be comforted by her memory and know that her legacy will continue with each scholarship in her name. She will continue to share her passion, and we will never forget. 

Life is over in an instant.

Live it strong!

Live it with joy!

Live it like Francesca did

with kindness, selflessness, 

humility, and passion. 

Enjoy the Journey!

XO Karlene