Mary Jean Francis, 69, of Boise, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2008, at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, Wash. Her family was by her side and her passing was very peaceful.
Mary was born to Frank and Eva Winkels on Dec. 28, 1938, in Nyssa, Ore. She later moved, with her family, to Baker, Ore. Where she attended and graduated from St. Francis Academy. Mary worked for the Democrat Herald as a young adult, until she married David D. Francis, also of Baker, and started her family. Mary was very devoted to her husband and son, David Jr. The young family soon moved to Boise, where they welcomed a daughter, Julie. Mary and her family lived on the north end of Boise at first and then, in 1972, bought their home on the Boise Bench where they have resided since.
Mary was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish and was very involved with McKinley Elementary’s PTA. Mary’s first priority was her husband and children and she spent many years helping Dad with Knights of Columbus events; acting as room mother for her children and organizing sports team parties. She loved her family and always put their needs and wants first. Our home was warm and happy and there was always a hot meal on the table. After her children were raised, Mary returned to work as a special education assistant at Hillside Junior High. Through the years, Mary helped many children who needed a champion in their life. After Mary became a grandmother, she retired to help care for her granddaughters, Eva and Emma.
She is also survived by sisters, Eunice Winkels, Joann Christy, Shirley Long and husband, Gary; Madonna Sherman and husband, Bill; and brothers, Ted Winkels and wife, Barbara; and George Winkels and wife, Linda. She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Eva Winkels, sisters Deloris Winkels and Betty Shrum; brothers-in-law Gerald Christy and Jim Shrum; and two nephews, Ronnie Joe Shrum and Michael Shrum.
There was a viewing at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with a rosary following at 10 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. with Father John Donahue and Deacon Jim Kelly officiating.
A luncheon gathering followed in the Faith Hall at Sacred Hearth. Arrangements were under direction of Cloverdale Funeral Home.
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon, July 17, 2008
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor