Francine is the mother of Christopher Hayden and wife (later widow) to the late Straub Hayden. Her relationship with her son is in no means strong, but it isn't as weak as the relationship Chris holds with his father. It was noted that she and Emily were practically inseparable before Lorelai became pregnant, and the two were close friends. During first appearance, she is shown to be less hostile to Lorelai. After her husband's death, it's said that she shows up to help Christopher with his daughter, however this is off screen.