Francine Marie Sorber

Francine Sorber, 62, lost her hard-fought battle with depression on Dec. 7, 2025, leaving a profound legacy of kindness, faith, and quiet strength that touched everyone who knew her. She dedicated her life to serving her family, extensive network of friends and community with deep, abiding love.

She was strong and gritty. Born the twelfth of fourteen children in the Upper Peninsula, she dedicated herself to studies, supporting herself through college and earning the first bachelor's degree of her family. She ran a moving business out of the family playroom, taught night classes, and was a full-time mother to three small children. She moved to Lansing in 1996 and built a robust community of friends, while still nurturing earlier friendships and family relationships. She actively supported her husband and children in the pursuit of their careers, studies and dreams. And yet she always wanted to do more.

She was gentle. She loved children, and they adored her. Her deepest joy came from time spent with family, especially her seven grandchildren who each shared a special bond with her. She traveled relentlessly to be a part of their regular lives, despite thousands of miles of distance.

She was generous. She gave her time, treasure and talent wherever she saw a need. She had deep compassion for any person she saw struggling physically, emotionally, financially or spiritually, intuiting the suffering of others, even when it was not overt. Her sense of hospitality left so many feeling like they were family in her home.

Despite her recent illness, Fran continued to give generously to the people she loved until the very end. Her faith was her compass, guiding her through both sunshine and storm. It taught her how to love without holding back, how to forgive without keeping score, and how to find light even in the darkest valleys.

Fran is survived by her husband, Brig, and her children, Alicia (Pedro) Gallegos, Jacob (Mikaela) Sorber, and Brycen (Bethany) Sorber. Also surviving are her seven grandchildren, Francine, Elin, and Estelle Gallegos, Emerald and Cal Sorber, and Scarlett and Eliza Sorber. She also is survived by siblings Louie, Lois, Bobbie, Gale, Gary, Mike, Pat, Debbie, Denise, Diane, Ed and Ann Marie. She leaves behind her sister, champion and best friend, Diane Maki, and her dear friend Mickey Ellsworth.

She is predeceased by her parents and her brother, William.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Fran's memory by contributing to Protect Life Michigan or the East Jordan Shoe Club.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 pm Friday, December 19, 2025, at St. Martha Parish, 1100 W. Grand River Ave, Okemos, with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of Mass. A luncheon will be served at the University Club Atrium Room at 2:00 pm.