June 1945 – July 2019
Fran Flanders was born on June 16, 1945 in San Francisco to George and Helen Gray. Her mother died when Fran was 2 years old so she was moved to Santa Cruz to be raised by her grandmother. Part of her high school years were spent with her sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Don Sparks. She attended Hilmar High School but returned to Santa Cruz to graduate with her class.
Fran met and married Bruce Flanders in 1965 in Los Angeles. They had two sons, William Flanders and Patrick Flanders. The family settled in New Hampshire where Fran attended church and accepted the Lord as her Savior. Her faith in God sustained her when she went through some turbulent years and the end of her marriage. Fran worked as a data manager for Lockheed Martin, a company that designs and builds parts for space exploration. Studying the Bible and her love for God’s Word continued when she moved to Hilmar Country Club Estates Mobile Home Park in Hilmar, where she started a Bible study group while attending Hilmar First Baptist Church.
Fran had a loving, vivacious spirit and was very generous to others, not only with her worldly goods, but also with her time and talents. Among the many who benefited from her volunteer work are: Jerry’s Kids Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser for many years; Womens’ Place of Merced County for women and children in crisis; Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary where she served as President for the State of New Hampshire; dedicated service to the New Hampshire Veteran’s Home where she worked with families of veterans.
Fran enjoyed her life at Turlock Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, participating in every activity imaginable, including crafts and games, two Bible studies, going to Modesto Nuts games, out to dinner, attending the county fair, shopping and socializing in general.
Despite her battle with MS, Fran was known at TNRC for her friendly, positive attitude and her willingness to share anything she had. We are so grateful for the staff at TNRC for the excellent and loving care they gave Fran. They went above and beyond to make her happy and comfortable.
Fran was preceded in death by her son, William Flanders. She is survived by her son Patrick Flanders of New Hampshire, her sister Pat Sparks of Hilmar and brother Don Gray of Yountville.
Celebration of Life will be held at Allen Mortuary on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 1:00pm Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in New Hampshire. Remembrances may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 161 Suite 3550, Chicago, Ill 60601 or The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 4527, New York, NY 10163
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