Frances Cecilia Kratochvil

Before she passed into eternal life at age 94, Frances, known affectionately as “Charlie,” was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Weber’s four children born on December 24, 1922. She met and married George Kratochvil, who was also of Garfield Heights, and the two resettled in California. Together, Frances and George worked with Catholic Charities to sponsor Mr. and Mrs. Chuy Pham and their family on April 30, 1975. After George’s death, she eventually sponsored daughter Yennga and son Dung in April 1979, as well as sons Tuan and Minh in March 1981.

As the family’s matriarch, Frances remained steadfast in her commitment to her four children and their families. Frances’ home grew to include nine grandchildren as well as four fur-children her adoptive dogs Nikki, Luke, Juniper, and Lady. While words could never capture the richness and beauty of her life and legacy, to her children, she was the hands and feet of Jesus – opening her home and heart to strangers and taking orphans in as her sons and daughter. To her grandchildren, she was homemade lemon bundt cakes, strawberry and apple pies, handmade Easter baskets and Christmas stockings filled to the brim with goodies, and handmade cards for every occasion signed “Love and hugs, Grandma Xoxo.”

After years of service as a case manager and counselor for the State of California, Frances enjoyed spending countless hours as a friend of Yorba Linda Public Library’s Book Corner and resident decorator. She doted on handcrafted origami lanterns each Christmas and looked forward to adorning them in the Book Corner season after season. Frances continued her volunteer work until the physical demands were too much.

In the face of her own mortality, she inspired us with her strong will and courage, born out of her love for her family. She is cherished and loved. She taught us to be generous and unconditionally loving, by her single phrase: “You can call me Mom.”

Frances is survived by her children, daughter Yennga, and sons Dung (Chi), Tuan (Sap), and Minh (Le); grandchildren, Frances, Martin, Mitchell, Derek, Jolie, Elaine, George (Angie), Leo, and Kimberly; as well as numerous loving nieces and nephews.

The viewing will be on Wednesday, August 16, between 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Pierce Brothers Mortuary in Anaheim, California. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, August 17 at 11:00 a.m. at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Anaheim Hills, California. The graveside service will immediately follow at the Cemetery of the Holy Sepulcher in Orange, California.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria del Angel Anaheim, Anaheim, CA.