Frances Isabelle Weeks

Frances Isabelle Weeks

Frances Isabelle Weeks, "Mickey" to family and friends, passed from our embrace February 15, 2011. She was born in Providence, Rhode Island December 22, 1926 to Attilio and Mary Margaret (Geraghty)Vela. She attended school in both Rhode Island and California, graduating from San Fernando (CA) High School in 1945. That same year while staying with relatives in Tacoma she was introduced to a handsome young sailor, Jack Weeks, who captured her heart. They were married November 25, 1945 in Tacoma, WA, and she spent 65 full and happy years with "the love of her life."
Mickey was an energetic and positive person. She loved to sing and dance, enjoyed plants and always had a beautiful garden. She bowled league, did water aerobics and golfed with family and friends. She established 10 0'clock morning coffee in every neighborhood they lived in, traveled extensively both in and out of the US, and played board games quite competitively - just as her grandchildren.
Along with raising a family of five and maintaining a home always open to both family and friends, Mickey and Jack opened JW Electronics Inc. in Olympia in 1964. As the business grew from a two person to a two state multi-store operation, Mickey's natural talents as a businesswoman expanded. She and Jack shared responsibility for this organization and concern for its employees for 26 years.
Mickey was known as hostess extraordinaire. Be it a children's party, barbeque, family dinner, gathering for 100 or drop-in guests, all were wined, dined, entertained and made to feel personally welcomed. Friends say she was the best kind of friend, there to share both good times and bad, always generous with smiles and hugs. She nurtured and maintained connections as far back as high school. Her list of friends was extensive.
Mickey leaves behind a large and devoted family: her husband and soulmate Jack; her children Sue (George) Heye, Jack R. (Frances) Weeks, Diane (Chester) Baldwin II, Kathy Weeks (Ron Wilmoth), Jeff Weeks (Shelby Wilson); 25 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren; her sister Margaret Vela and many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. Her welcoming committee in heaven will be many dear friends and relatives including her parents, stepmother Rena Vela, and sisters Mary Bierma and Alice Copeland.
Mickey was a long time member of St. Michael's Parish. As her mobility waned parish friends would always save her a good seat at Sunday mass. Her faith, never outspoken, was always a working part of her life.
For all who know and love her, the sparkle of Mickey, the tiny dynamo, will remain forever in our hearts.
A gathering for family and friends will be held Saturday, February 26, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m at 2500 Mottman Rd SW, Tumwater, WA 98512.