Francesca Antoinette Martin

It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beautiful daughter, Francesca Antoinette Martin. Francesca passed away at 7:40 pm on May 3, 2024, at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota from post-bone marrow transplant complications after fighting MPS-I Hurler Syndrome and MCAD deficiency, two rare genetic disorders that made her 1 in 1.5 billion. Her struggle and treatment path will someday help other families facing these devastating diagnoses due to her involvement in several clinical trials and studies, most notably the OTL-203 HURCULES phase 3 trial. Francesca, affectionately called Frankie, was born to Isabella and Talor Martin at 2:59 am on July 24, 2022, in Madison, Wisconsin. She was a very precious girl, full of life and joy despite facing continuous challenges related to her illnesses. Born the ultimate teacher, Frankie taught all who crossed paths with her the importance of gratitude, resilience, and patience. She was a happy and loving child who adored her Mama and Dada, her Gigi and PopPop, Mormor and Grandpa, and her doggie, Cow. She loved to ride on her Daddy’s shoulders and snuggle with her Mommy to watch Miss Rachel or Elmo videos. She spent a considerable amount of time doing puzzles, reading books, and practicing animal sounds with her Little People figurines. She never met a stuffed bunny that she did not like. We will deeply miss and will always cherish our strong little girl who shined so much light into the world and made our lives immensely brighter with her presence. Francesca is survived by her mother and father, Isabella Hutson and Talor Martin, of Madison, WI; Her grandparents Kirsten Arndt-Hutson and Lance Wallace (Glendale, WI), Tracy and Dennis Martin (Spring Grove, IL); Aunts Bernadette Hutson (Jim Ramel Kjellgren), Andrea Martin (Travis Frerichs), Ashley Martin (Michael Scharnberg); Cousins (Ernest, Theodore, Mabel, and Massimo); Great-grandparents Carol Connery, Marie and Joe Martin, Marilyn Przybylski, Nicole Hutson, Nancy Wallace; Great-aunties, great-uncles, and so many dear friends who will miss her sweet smile and infectious laugh. We are certain that her “OG”, Shirley Fowler (great-grandmother), who preceded her in death on March 12, along with her Great-uncle Don Arndt III, Opa (great-grandfather Donald Arndt Jr.), Grandpapa (great-grandfather Larry Hutson), and Great-grandpa James Connery were all there to greet Frankie and take care of her for us until we can be reunited as a family again. A visitation will be held on May 17, 2024, at Northshore Funeral Home in Milwaukee, WI from 1:00-5:00 pm, with a memorial service at 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, we would be honored to have you support the National MPS Society, https://mpssociety.org/donate-now/, in Frankie’s memory.

Francesca Antoinette Martin

July 24, 2022 - May 3, 2024