Frances "Francie" Virginia Valder

Francie was born in Mohall, North Dakota to Emlyn Thomas and Jessie Paris Bowen on February 1, 1929. Francie’s childhood was not easy in the early 1930’s but she did have fond memories of living at the family farm where her strong work ethic was born. She was the youngest of four siblings, with older brothers, Gordon and Tommy, and sister Glenna. After high school, Francie spent some time at Junior college before working for the State of North Dakota in the office of the Secretary of State.

Francie met her husband John (Jack) Valder on a blind date and they were married November 20, 1950 in Bismarck, ND. They were a striking pair with her just over 5’1” tall and him at nearly 6’2”. She was all energy and fun and he was the strong, silent type - perfect for each other! They moved to Portland, OR in 1952 where many Valder’s had already migrated.

Francie worked full time in downtown Portland at the phone company for 30 years. She loved going downtown every day and enjoyed her job in the Engineering Office where she had many friends. She retired in 1990 and volunteered downtown at the company store so she could stay close to the friends she enjoyed so much.

Francie was a busy mom of four who worked a full time job. Very unusual for her generation but she enjoyed staying busy. She would host Bunco games with her girlfriends and entertain and spend time with the many family members in the area. Family vacations were spent traveling by car to Lake Tahoe, Bismarck and all places in between. Some of our best memories are of the six of us driving down some highway listening to an 8 track tape of Henry Mancini. She would often have a puzzle going on the dining room table and if you spent much time there, a deck or two of cards or some game would always come out. The house was filled with laughter and fun and that was because of Francie.

In 1995, Francie’s husband Jack suffered some serious health issues and she was there every minute to take care of him. She even got her first driver’s license so she could take him to appointments and run the errands he had always run for her. When Jack died in 1998, after 48 years of marriage, Francie was heartbroken and leaned on her kids who were more than happy to support their mother. Francie would go on to live another 26 years after losing Jack.

Francie was thrilled to become a grandmother to Cameron when she was 73 years old and again to Paul just a few years later. She adored them both and spent as much time with them as she could. In 2015, she was delighted to welcome her third grandson, Josh.

She moved out to the Summerplace retirement community in 2007 and participated in activities such as bridge and bowling. She joined a bowling league and bowled until she was 90 years old. It took a while for the ball to get to the pins, but it always made it! She also loved to travel and took every opportunity to take off on a new adventure.

Francie was diagnosed with dementia about 10 years before her death. As with all things, she faced it head on with grace and strength and her sweet disposition remained intact. Francie was strong, smart, loving, funny and she touched everyone who met her. She will be missed every day.

Francie is survived by sister Glenna Jordan (age 97); daughters Janet Valder, Glenna Griffiths and Diane Patricio, daughter-in-law Juanita Valder, son-in-laws John Griffiths and Jim Patricio, grandsons Cameron Griffiths, Paul Griffiths and Josh Patricio along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack Valder and son Robert (Bob) Valder.

A memorial mass for Francie will be held Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Therese Catholic Church, 1260 NE 132nd Ave, Portland, OR 97230.