She is Survived by Children Ernesto Duran, Michael Duran, Daniel Duran, John Duran and Joseph Duran, Daughter-In-Laws Yolanda Duran, Lorraine Duran, Dorothy Duran and Cynthia Duran. Thirteen Grand Children and Thirteen Great- Grand Children.
Frances was born in Winterhaven, CA. on October 4, 1934 to Mike and Ruth Lopez. She had four Sisters, Hortencia Chavez, Jenny Velasquez, Stella Urtiaga and Caroline Mendiola. She grew up in Winterhaven, CA. before moving to National City, CA. She attended National City Junior High and then Sweetwater High School where she played Clarinet in the band graduating in 1952.
She married Ernesto Duran in 1956. They had five boys David, Michael, Daniel, John and Joseph. They settled in Paradise Hills, a suburb of San Diego in 1973 where they enjoyed living the next 49 years. As time went by each of the boys went onto be married and Frances welcomed to the family Daughter-In-Law’s Yolanda, Barbara, Lori, Dorothy and Cynthia.
What followed next was to be one of the great joys of France’s life “Thirteen Grandchildren” Noah, Christopher, Alexis, David, Jennifer, Melissa, Janice, Erica, Elyse, Joey, Ryan, Natalie and Brandon. Frances was a fabulous Grandmother who loved her Grandchildren to the fullest. She spoiled each of them every chance she got, she instilled her love of sports in them, she took them camping, attended little league games, school plays, graduations…she was always so proud of them yet she wasn’t afraid to give them tough love when it was needed.
Frances served as an Instructional Aide for the National City School District for several years where she oversaw the Computer Lab; one of the first of its kind. Frances enjoyed working with children always eager to teach and mentor them.
Frances was an avid sports fan. She LOVED her Padres and her Chargers. She was known for having a good betting pool going for games and loved getting all her family and friends involved. As a dedicated fan Frances was in for the long-haul toughing it out through the lows and celebrating every win; usually with a blow of her horn on the front porch!
Frances also loved crafting, she made the most beautiful flower arrangements. She also loved going to the casino playing the slots and enjoying the buffets with family.
Above all Frances was extremely dedicated to her family which was her greatest love. She helped to care for her parents Mike & Ruth as their health failed in later years. She took great joy in going to visit her extended family in Yuma at times staying for several weeks; it was one of her happy places. She lovingly opened her home to family members as they navigated the ups and downs of life.
Frances instilled in each of her children the value of family and the importance of spending time
with each other. Family was very important to Frances and she took as many opportunities as she could to bring us all together; the family home on Roberts Drive was our happy place. Even more so once we knew her famous potato salad was on the menu! Together we will carry on the family traditions of Family BBq’s, Holidays and most importantly the legacy of love she gave to each of us.
Proceeded in Death by her Husband Ernesto J. Duran, parents Mike and Ruth Lopez and Sister Jenny Velasquez.
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