Obituary of Frances Farley

Frances Farley. After a long, meaningful life, our beloved Fran passed away peacefully on Sunday September 2nd. Her unwavering support and love will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Fran was born in Madison, SD, on Jan 13, 1927 to Arne and Elise Brager. The third of three sisters (Thelma, Lillian), Fran was an excellent student who attended school straight through college (Augus-tana), graduating on June 6, 1949. The same day she wed Allen Farley, the Student Body president. That fall Fran began teaching at Washington High, her alma mater. Fran and Al's 1st son, Michael, was born in 1954 and shortly thereafter the family moved to the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Their 2nd son, Marc, was born in 1957. Al's career took the family to Virginia, MN, where Matthew was born in 1965 and then to Petoskey, MI, before returning to the Twin Cities in 1969, where Fran and Al would remain. In 1971 Fran resumed her career but Al's early death at 57 made her solely responsible for raising Matt. Fran responded by completing a Masters in Education at age 60 and teaching four subjects at Nicollet Junior High in Burnsville. Her family is immensely proud of her accomplishments. Fran was a devoted wife and mother. She and Al enthusiastically supported her sons' broad interests, including skiing, scouting, team sports, science, model railroads, and music. She relished playing games with her family, telling stories and engaging in long conversations. Holidays with Fran are lasting, treasured family memories. Fran was also a loyal friend, enjoying several 80-year friendships that began in grade school. Fran was a also a designer and creator who painted, drew and made clothes and costumes. Late in life, she amused herself with artistic coloring books to brighten her days. Many beloved relatives and friends passed before Fran: her husband Al and her sisters Thelma and Lillian. She is survived by her sons Michael (Barbara), Marc (Gretchen) and Matthew (Leslie) and grandchildren Laura, Bret, Grace and Ben. She will be dearly missed by all. A memorial service will be held for Fran on Sunday, September 30 at 2:00 PM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville, where she was a member for 49 years.