Frances J. Wakefield

Fran, Beloved Mother, Nana, Great Grammy, Auntie & friend passed away peacefully on Monday, July 28, 2014, surrounded by her family, at the age of 78. Born Frances Jean Harris, on May 14, 1936 in San Francisco, California. Her Mother and Father, Leabelle and Reed Harris, and brother, Reed Harris, preceded her in death. Francie was an active, energetic little girl who loved to entertain anyone who would watch by playing the piano, as well as singing and dancing. She was known to be quite a chatterbox. During her teenage years, she lived in San Francisco & Sacramento. While in Sacramento, she attended C.K. McClatchy High School, where she met her husband-to-be, Grove Wakefield. During their courtship, Fran moved back to the bay area where she attended and graduated from Lowell High School in 1954. Fran and Grove were married in 1955, and shortly after, began their family. They would have 5 children named Scott, John, Lynn & a set of twins, Jeannie & Jeff. Aside from raising 5 small children, she still found the time to volunteer her time at the schools. She could be found either monitoring the schoolyard, known as Mrs. Wakefield to many, or working in the lunchroom. And if that wasn't enough she managed to run the PTA. After raising her children, she went to work for the State of California Legislative Counsel for the next 20 years. She retired from the State in 1998. Mom was a wonderful woman who loved her family deeply. She devoted herself to her children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren. We have so many things to remember about mom. Whether she was playing the piano, or playing the record player, singing along with singers like Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra, music always filled our home. We all grew up to love and enjoy music as an important part of our life. For this we are all very thankful. Also, the way she made every holiday and birthday an important "event" while making each one of us feel special. She has always had a knack for finding the perfect gift. She would also write us letters, usually including a poem she had written herself, making sure that it rhymed in all the right spots. She used to send handwritten cards just because and she giggled at herself when she said something funny. We know her smell of perfumes and will always remember how beautiful she was on the outside as well as the inside. Mom loved watching old westerns, just like her Dad. And how she loved to share and reminisce about her family and its' history. But, what we'll remember the most is the enormous time she spent with her children, teaching us how to be thoughtful, caring & loving human beings. Teaching by example, about what strength, courage, and love really means. If she loved you, there was no question that you knew it! Her heart was enormous, her hugs, legendary!!! Mom, you will live in our hearts forever!!! We are so happy that you will be able to dance again with Papa and be with Nana and Uncle Reed once again. We love you Mom! Fran is survived by her children and spouses; Scott & Sabrina, John & Norina, Lynn & Rick, Jeannie, Jeff & Christine, her 9 grandchildren and spouses; Ryan & Christina, Jamie & Kevin, Jodie, Jason & Jennifer, Andrew & Julie, Samantha & Boone, Stephanie, Jennifer, Christopher, and 5 great-grandchildren; Tyler, Lucas, McKenzie, Peytin, and Declan. And last, but not least, her precious dog Chrissy, who she rescued and loved for 7 years. A "Celebration of Life" was held on Saturday, August 9th, from 4:00-8:00pm at a family home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the American Diabetes Assoc. http://main.diabetes.org/goto/franwakefield