Frances “Fran” Lavin, born Frances Chiaia, was born in the Bronx, New York, on June 22nd, 1954. She passed away on March 25th, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Frances grew up in Pelham Bay, the youngest of three daughters of John and Lucy Chiaia. Fran, along with her sisters, Lucille and Loretta, grew up in a tight-knit Italian neighborhood surrounded by many members of their extended family. Fran trained in the martial arts and obtained a black belt in Jiujitsu. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Lehman College. She later returned to school to receive Masters’ degrees in Exercise Physiology and Physical Therapy from Columbia University. She spent the majority of her career as a Physical Therapist at Columbia Presbyterian, now New York Presbyterian. Over the course of her 30 years at the hospital, she helped to improve the lives of thousands of patients and made a lasting impact on her colleagues. She finished her career as a well-respected supervisor for both the Cardiac Rehab and Outpatient Physical Therapy departments of New York Presbyterian. Her family was the light of her life.

Frances is survived by her husband of fifty years, Dennis Patrick Lavin. Fran is lovingly remembered by her son, Dennis Patrick Lavin II, and his wife, Ariana Lavin, and their children, Dennis Patrick Lavin III and Scarlett Jacqueline Lavin. She is also survived by her daughter, Brittany Taylor Lavin and her husband, Daniel Moriarty. Fran will be deeply missed by her three boxer dogs: Luke, Leia, and Kai. She will also be missed by her granddogs: Vader, Charme, Anita, and Ribi.

Frances was a devout Catholic, heavily involved in St. Joan of Arc Church, St. Jude’s, and Acension Church. She volunteered for the church and participated in many community events and women’s small groups.

Family will receive friends Sunday, March 29, 2026, 2-4 & 6-8pm at the funeral home. The funeral mass will be held at St. Joan of Arc Church at 11 AM on Monday, March 30th. The entombment will follow at Boca Raton Mausoleum.

Professional arrangements are entrusted to: Gary Panoch Funeral Home, 6140 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487 561-997-8580

www.gpanochfunerals.com 

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