Our Mom, Beatrice Alberta Franz passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and close friends at the Nazareth House on February 21, 2024 (just 3 months shy of her 101 birthday).
Bea was born in Fresno in 1923 to Bill and Lillie Schulte. Bea attended the Shrine of St. Therese School where she met the love of her life, our dad, Ed.
Our dad joined the Coast Guard, and they were married in 1943 at the Queen of the Angels in Port Angeles, WA. They moved back to Fresno and started a family. They found their calling by having 8 children, and it was important to both to give their children a Catholic education. They were a devoted couple to the Catholic church and in doing so they were instrumental in the building of the St. Anthony of Padua in 1968. Bea was a driving force for the Perpetual Adoration at St. Anthony's. They both did this unselfishly and faithfully.
At Snider Electric, mom assisted dad with the administrative task in the mid 1950's. Dad and mom worked hard to have a family business, Franz Electric, and this allowed them to do many things for their family and community.
She is survived by her children and in-laws Eddie (Patty), Bev (Burl), Ceci, Billy, Jimmy (Jackie), Jeannie, Mary (Clark) 16 Grandchildren, and 14 Great-Grandchildren and her sister, Barbara Orlando. Bea was preceded in death by her daughter, Carolyn in 1964, Ed in 2003, Kenny (Jeannie's husband in 2016) and Ken (Ceci's husband in 2016).
Bea was a remarkable woman; her faith gave her great strength. She loved her family unconditionally and was content with her life. It gave her such pride to have family members who have served in the military and those who continue to serve.
She lived out her final years at the Nazareth House, which made her feel at home with such loving employees and attending daily mass.
On a lighter note, we wanted to include that she had a passion for playing the piano. We have many happy memories of her playing the piano at Christmas!
Please join us in celebrating her life Thursday, March 7th for a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 9:30 am and Mass at 10:00 am. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 355 E. Champlain Dr. Fresno, CA 93730
A committal Service will follow 2:00 pm at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, 264 N. Blythe Ave. Fresno, CA 93706
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Disabled American Veterans Help.dav.org (type this in your browser)
Serving as pallbearers are Eric Franz, Shelly Webster, Jeannette Milton, Craig Franz, Danielle Ibarra and Gianna Gist.
