Francine Mastini's Obituary
Francine Mastini
July 21, 1962 – June 21, 2025
Francine Bernadette Mastini, Obl.S.B. passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington, one month shy of her 63rd birthday, after a sudden and heartbreaking battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)—a rare and rapidly progressing neurological condition. She lived a life of deep creativity, fierce love, and unapologetic joy—always curious, always kind, always herself.
Born in Hartsdale, New York, to Frank and Lucy Mastini (both deceased), Francine studied Language Education at the American University of Rome before attending SUNY Community College from 1980 to 1983. She built a rich professional life that included work as a buyer for Macy’s Northwest and, for the last 20 years, as the founder of Syrenmuse, her creative agency. Through Syrenmuse, she helped others find and shape their voices—bringing the written word to life with skill, insight, and grace.
Francine was a USA Today bestselling author, a vibrant Twitch entertainer, a devoted pilgrim, and an enthusiastic artist. She and her husband Thom walked multiple routes of the Camino de Santiago together, journeying across Spain on foot in faith, community, and quiet joy. Whether walking with blistered feet, volunteering as the creative director of La Concha the magazine of the American Pilgrims on the Camino, or serving as a hospitalera welcoming other pilgrims, Francine embodied the Camino’s spirit of simplicity, kindness, and presence.
She believed food was love, and showed that in every meal she cooked, every cookie she baked, every soul she fed. She knit joy into the world—literally and figuratively—leaving behind sweaters, scarves, and stories that warmed those around her. Her world was full of making, mending, laughing, and giving.
She didn’t need to fully understand you to love you—completely and without hesitation. She made space for people who were a little different, a little outside the lines—and made that feel exactly right. She created a world around her that was generous, weird, wildly loving, and real.
Francine is survived by her devoted husband of 17 years, Thom Ryng, who lovingly called her “Miss Francine” and cherished her always as his beautiful bride. Their life together was filled with deep companionship, quiet joy, and shared adventures both near and far. She is also survived by her children Sam Robinowitz, Michaela Mastini, Tristan Ryng, and Raine Ryng; her nieces and nephews Jason Scarano, Cara Scarano, Therese Mastini, Dante Mastini, Stella Hunt, and Everest Podenski; her dearest friend, Callie Starks; and her southern son, Jason Osborne, whom she loved as family. Her siblings, John and Stephanie, and her siblings-in-law, Scott and Melanie Hunt, also survive her. Francine leaves behind countless friends—in the Pacific Northwest and beyond—whose lives she touched in person, online, and across the globe through years of writing, travel, and generosity.
Vespers will be sung on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1123 N. J St. in Tacoma. A funeral Mass will follow on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., also at St. Patrick’s, on the Feast of St. Benedict—patron saint of hospitality and community, both of which Francine lived and offered abundantly.
The principal celebrant will be the Very Rev. David Mulholland, pastor of St. Patrick. Rev. Jacob Maurer will concelebrate and offer the homily, and Rev. Mr. Gary Rose will serve as deacon of the Mass. Music will be directed by Maestra Amy Gallwas, featuring members of the Schola of Saint Odo of Cluny, old friends, and the choirs of Saint Patrick and Holy Cross parishes.
Pallbearers will be Sam Robinowitz, Jason Scarano, Scott Hunt, Jason Osborne, Zack Starks, and Adam Theuret. Presentation of the Gifts will be offered by Michaela Mastini, Raine Ryng, Cara Scarano, and Stella Hunt. A wake will follow the Mass, with burial later that afternoon.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Francine’s memory to the CJD Foundation, which provides research funding, support, and advocacy for families affected by this devastating disease: https://www.cjdfoundation.org
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