Frances Childers

The world lost an amazing smile and loving spirit on the 22nd of December 2022 when Frances M. Childers, "Fran", died from a long battle with COPD. She is survived by her husband of over 37 years, Kenneth "Ken" Childers, who tenderly loved and cared for her until the end when she went home to be with her beloved father, William "Bill" O'Connor, and sister, Barbara Bravo and brother Ronald O'Connor.
Fran was the mother of five children Julie Bordelon, Deanna Clark, Francis Clark, Jeanine Childers, and Kelly Hansen. She is survived by her brothers, David O'Connor and Michael Vauble. In addition to her nieces, Angela Wallet and Jessica Perea Bravo. Her nurturing spirit did not stop with her children and family. She cared for those around her by consistently providing a safe harbor for others either through a listening ear or with encouragement as people faced their own struggles.
She loved photography and took countless pictures of Gods' incredible nature and her family. She found great joy in her flower gardens, good books, music, and wine. She had an infectious laugh and could light up a room with her smile. As she faced death, she chose the following poem to be read at her eulogy.
Epitaph by Merrit Malloy
When I die
Give what's left of me away
To children
And old men that wait to die.
And if you need to cry,
Cry for your brother
Walking the street beside you.
And when you need me,
Put your arms
Around anyone
And give them
What you need to give to me.
I want to leave you something,
Something better
Than words
Or sounds.
Look for me
In the people I've known
Or loved,
And if you cannot give me away,
At least let me live on in your eyes
And not your mind.
You can love me most
By letting
Hands touch hands,
By letting bodies touch bodies,
And by letting go
Of children
That need to be free.
Love doesn't die,
People do.
So, when all that's left of me
Is love,
Give me away.
Fran was a devoted Catholic and her funeral mass will be held at the Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church on the 18th of January at 10 a.m.
A special thank you to the caregivers of the Southwest Medical Hospice who became true friends to our beloved mother while they helped ease her to heaven.