Meet the Bridesmaids…
Elvia Franco
“I clearly remember Gwen being about four years old and me asking her what is your name and she would reply with these beautiful big eyes and beautiful curly hair: Gwen Stephanie Franco. She said it in a beautiful voice that I would ask her over and over and over again and she would always respond. Stephanie would become one of my favorite names from that point on.
I remember how special she made me feel on my 40th birthday when she helped plan a surprise Frida inspired party for me and it was just so special. I know it was all her idea and I just remember thinking how much I was loved.
So my memories with her will be of how much she has always tried and succeeded in getting us and keeping us together as a family, especially getting the sisters to spend time together. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know that we would be as close as we are now, given that some of us were raising kids, and some of us were raising ourselves (meaning Judy!). I hope you know how much I love you ❤”
Isabel Orejel
“Platelets are tiny but powerful cells in our blood, with each drop containing between 1,500,000 and 4,000,000 of them. Why do I bring up platelets in my memory of Gwen? Because, among her many remarkable qualities, she also has extraordinary platelets—I would know. Hers saved my life.
I have so many beautiful memories with Gwen—laughing endlessly, taking salsa lessons, being niñas chiquiadas, and exploring Europe together. But my most cherished memory by far is the one that defines the depth of her love and selflessness. During my bone marrow transplant at City of Hope, Gwen was there every Friday night, giving Israel a chance to be with the girls and prepare for work over the weekend. She never hesitated. She never wavered.
One day, when the doctor said I needed platelets, Gwen didn’t miss a beat. She sprang into action, donated immediately, and within the hour, her platelets—filled with every ounce of love and hope she had to give—were flowing through my veins. In a time when tears were the easiest choice, we chose laughter instead.
Gwen is more than my cousin; she is my sister, my hero, and one of the most exceptional human beings I know. I will forever be grateful for her, and I look forward to celebrating her the way she has always celebrated me. I love you, Gwen.”
Faby Smith
“Throughout the years, some of the best birthday moments I have known have been shared with sisters, especially my baby sister Gwen. She always makes September so joyful for both myself and our sister, Elvia. Both of us were born on the same day in September, four years apart. I have such a fond birthday memory when we celebrated back in 2019 at the Irvine Spectrum. We had Cuban food at Habana. The pics and videos we took that day are some of my favorites. l am especially grateful for Gwen’s enthusiasm and genuine love & support. She always strives to celebrate us ALL, closest family and friends- no matter how big or small. I always feel appreciated, celebrated, loved and supported by my sisters, and family. Gwen has always been one of the biggest reasons why. I am grateful that she’s on my side, cheering me on. It means the world to me to share life’s greatest moments, achievements & milestones with her. Thank you for sharing your joy! Thank you for celebrating us and with us! I love you so much my baby sis!”
Thomas Castro
“I have to mention the time when Gwen let me tag along with her to London. THAT WAS SUCH AN ADVENTURE. We did and saw so many things, caught up with so many amazing people (shout out to Ellie and Jack), and of course got some partying in as well. That trip reminds me of not only how well we travel together, but the diversity of our mutual interests which I really think makes our friendship incredibly special.
Another special memory is we use to go to Barry’s Bootcamp together!! We would meet there on the weekends in the morning at the Newport Beach location. We’d pay top dollar to get our butts kicked. It was brutal but we loved it! I appreciate this memory because it’s another one that expands on the diversity of our relationship. We’ve been so much more than just “party friends.” For so long, we’ve also prioritized our health and fitness together and had so much fun doing so.”
Rocio Mandy
“I have an abundance of memories to choose from, but I think one of my all-time favorites has to be our visit to Panda Inn. It was just the two of us, and we ended up ordering way more food than we could possibly eat. We sat there for hours, talking about everything and nothing all at once.
Honestly, I can't even recall the specifics of our conversation, but what I do remember vividly is the feeling I had. It was a comforting sense of safety and unconditional love that filled the air. And that's exactly who Gwen is – a source of unwavering support and love.
That's why she's one of my favorite people in the world and will always be my sister friend.”
Cinthya Rosas
“Recuerdo que nunca había ido a Sea World y tú me llevaste por primera vez como a mis 24 años, hicimos una fila para pasar con la sitenita a la foto y me sentaste en sus piernas diciendo que era tu niñita pequeña, fuimos a ver los pingüinos y nos enamoraron!! Así que nos compramos unos aretitos iguales y lo más gracioso es que cuando vimos el show que tienen, ambas lloramos jajaja y nos moríamos de risa de eso! No entiendo porque lloramos pero fue un día mágico contigo, como otros y los que vienen. Por supuesto! En camino a Sea World pasamos a tomar unos shots de tequila, ni siquiera habíamos desayunado y nos echamos los pinches tequilas!
Te adoro mi preciosa eres increíble y especial para todos!”