Honora (Nora) Elizabeth Franson Nora Franson was the last surviving child of 12 born to Dominic and Anna Wagener in Waconia, Minnesota, on January 4, 1911 and passed away on Tuesday, December 8 in San Jose, Ca. Her husband Clarence Franson preceded her in death by 31 years. Nora is survived by her children Kathy (Victor) Urzi of San Jose, David Franson of Wilmington, De and Louis (Karen)Franson of Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca., grand children Gina Nedney, Julie Hannan, Leighann Franson, Lauren Franson, Morgann Franson, Christopher Franson and Ashley Pickering and great grand children Gabrielle & Cade Nedney and Hannah & Kylie Pickering. Nora and Clare met when they were captains of opposing bowling teams in 1941 and were married on November 14, 1943 while Clare served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army during WW2. Her feisty attitude earned her the nickname of "sparky" by Clare and her friends. After the war, they settled in Minneapolis and moved to California in 1953. In 1955 Nora and Clare bought a house in San Jose where Nora lived until her death. Nora worked in the retail industry in sales and training and spent many years with JJ Newberry's, Kessler's and Service Merchandize. She was very active in the St. Francis Cabrini parish and always participated in annual Fiesta fundraiser and bingo nights. Nora was an original member of the church when mass was held in the little 'red barn". She and Clare always bowled and entertained. Nora took time off of work to take care of Clare prior to his passing in 1978 but soon returned to her retail endeavors. Nora was a strong individual with an unwavering faith in god and her family. She was a source of guidance, love and strength to her family and friends and will be missed dearly by all who knew her. There will be a rosary at 7:30 Thursday night at Oak Hill Funeral Home and a Funeral service at 10 AM on Friday at St. Francis Cabrini Church with an internment at Oak Hill Memorial Park following mass.

Published in San Jose Mercury News on December 10, 2009.