Frances M. Jones

1923 - 2010

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away in the early hours of the morning on Friday, Oct. 1, 2010. Frances Marie Vieregge Jones was born to Walter and Maude Vieregge on June 1, 1923 in Dallas, Texas.

Frances graduated from N.R. Crozier Technical High School and McBride Business College. She met the love of her life, Fred Jones, at a USO dance. Three dates and six months of letters later, Fran traveled from Texas to South Carolina by train and they were married in March 1943. Fred was career Navy, and Fran loved the travels and excitement of being a Navy Officer's wife. Fred and Fran were trophy-winning ballroom dancers and danced through 63 years of marriage.

Fred and Fran had three children. Mickey, the eldest, is a successful musician and actor. Freddie Jr. died shortly after his birth. Their daughter, Cheryl Marie, a retired teacher, passed away in September 2006. Fran said goodbye to Fred a few short months later in December.

Fashion was always a big part of Fran's life and she realized her 'secret desire' of becoming a fashion model. She was a runway model in both retail and wholesale. She spent 20 years with the California Fashion Mart in the Fashion and Public Relations Office, producing and/or commentating Market Week Fashion Shows. She was President of her own company, Fashion Enterprises, a fashion services company, traveling frequently to New York doing Shows at Parsons' Design Center.

After her retirement from the Mart, Fran continued producing Fashion Shows for woman's organizations, training the models, commentating and providing the background music. She volunteered at the Senior Center for over 10 years assisting in producing the annual fundraiser Fashion Shows. Fran continued modeling into her eighties. In her organizations, she was dubbed 'Fashionable Fran' or 'Classy Lady' because she always looked marvelous by putting together a variety of fabulous outfits from her fashion collection including scarf, jewelry, and matching handbags. In addition to volunteering at the Simi Valley Senior Center and the local Cultural Arts center, Fran was a 47-year member of Beta Sigma Phi and twice president of the San Fernando Valley Council.

She was also a past president of Simi Valley New-In-Town Club and an active member of Motion Picture Mothers.

Fran was adored by her grandchildren, Rickey, Vickey, Cyndi Marie, and Michael. She also boasted three step-grandchildren, Jessica, Jennifer and Rebecca. The following generation included four great-grandchildren, Little Rickey (Vance), Donovan, Jakob and Cassidy Marie, who became the 'little' loves of her life along with her six step-great-grandchildren, Cecilia, Stephanie, Dane, Danny, Trace, and Haley. So far, she also has two step-great-great-grandchildren, Esteban and Sergio. Fran is survived by her son, Mickey, and his wife Phyllis; her sister-in-law, Pat, and her husband Bill; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a multitude of friends.

For over 87 years, Fran filled the world with her charm, enthusiasm and ZEST for life. She was loved and admired by all and she played a vital role in her many endeavors. She will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Giovanni's Villa at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 15. In lieu of flowers, contribution in Fran's memory may be made to Southern California Council, Bay Area Kidney Research c/o Tamara Bryson, 10126 Eton Ave, Chatsworth CA, 91311.