Cecilia Franceschini-Barboni

California, Died September 2004

Owner, along with her husband, Tony Barboni, of one of the oldest and most successful hemp stores in the USA, Cecilia succumbed to cancer in September, 2004. She loved life and lived with joy and whimsy, as shown by this photo, one of her favorites, from the 1970s. She used the last years of her life to promote a sustainable future through hemp and testified at the California Agriculture Hearings on the effort to legalize hemp cultivation in the state. The couple had received an honorarium from the Hemp Industries Association in April of 2004.

Cecilia credited medical marijuana with helping her control the disease, which had been in remission for years. When her cancer returned, she kept up her spirits with strength and courage. She kept up the good fight for a cause, a store and a plant that she truly believed in. Hemp in the Heartland at 125 K Street in Old Sacramento (916-447-4367) is a full line hemp boutique, featuring clothing, accessories, body care, food and paper products. A warm person who made others feel welcome in her store and better educated when they left, Cecilia was beloved by the public, her fellow activists, her staff Amy, Marie and Kyle, and certainly by Tony, who supported her in her life, her illness, and her hempen pursuits. Tony always said Cecilia was the "heart and soul" of the store.

"We are going to try and keep the store open in her memory, but it won't be the same without her. .It would mean so much to us, she was like a mother to us and she is greatly missed. Thanks for all your support," writes Marie.

"The members of the HIA send condolences to her devoted husband Tony, her son and staff. We will miss her in form, and know she is now playing with the hemp gods, dancing and dreaming our vision of a sustainable world for all. Much love to you, Cecilia!" said HIA director Candi Penn.