Photo courtesy of Habing Family Funeral Home
Sep 14, 1926 - Aug 13, 2025 (Age 98)
What an amazingly special person, full of Love, Laughter and Grace. My Condolences & Prayers are directed to the Bolton family during this difficult time..
Tim & Cindy Fellows
August 19, 2025 | Gilroy, CA | Neighbor
Dear Fran you are in your new home. Sohappy for you! You were always such a light to this world!!!!
Kay Carlsom
August 18, 2025 | Gilroy, CA | Friend
Fran and Jim were second parents to us Fellows kids! We spent many hours at the Bolton house. Norma will be so happy to see you in Heaven, Fran! You were and always will be very loved by us! To the family, My heart is breaking for you all...it's been a rough few months. Know that we are thinking of you all and sending LOTS of prayers for peace and healing!
Pam Gimenez
August 16, 2025 | GILROY, CA | Neighbor
My condolences to the Bolton family.
Ray Hansell
August 16, 2025 | Morgan Hill, CA | Friend
Condolences to the entire Bolton family..Fran was a vibrant fun lady..She and my mom Maggie Hagen teased each other that they might be related .My mom's maiden name being Griglac or Grizlac..depending on the records
Karen Hagen
August 16, 2025 | Gilroy, CA | Friend
My condolences and prayers to the Bolton Family and friends
Frank Masoni
August 15, 2025 | Hollister, CA | Friend
I am so very sorry about the loss of such a wonderful woman. I was an El Roble student who struggled with school and home. Franny took me in right away in the office and her and I had a very special relationship. We also found out we had the same birthday. She was my birthday buddy. I am so sad we lost touch. This beautiful woman made a huge difference in my life at such a young age. She was truly an angel. I was so blessed to have known her. Sending giant hugs and prayers to all of you.
Calendars Groen
August 15, 2025 | Anderson, CA | Student
Fran Bolton, a longtime resident of Gilroy, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, survived by her husband of 78 amazing years, Jim, children; Chuck (Tom), Carter (Maria), Carrie Howell (Rick), Jim (Liz), Michael (Maribel), 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and many dear nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her children, Christopher and Cathy, and her siblings Frank Grzelak, Sophie Harkness, Lottie Woodrick, John Grzelak, and Stella Michalik.
Jim and Fran moved to Gilroy from Rockford, IL in 1964. Fran’s deep-rooted faith in God created a sanctuary for all. The Bolton home was a favorite gathering place among the neighborhood children with ever present homemade cookies, smiles, and love. When their youngest child started kindergarten, Fran re-entered the workforce at El Roble School, the beginning of a 20 year career with the Gilroy Unified School District Central Office.
Fran taught catechism classes at St. Mary Parish, founded and volunteered at a suicide prevention hotline, sang with the Side-By-Siders at convalescent homes & churches, and in her spare time enjoyed oil painting. Fran, and her husband Jim, were eucharistic ministers to the sick and homebound for most of their later years.
A rosary and funeral mass will be held at St. Mary Parish Church Friday August 22, 2025, rosary at 1:30 pm, and mass at 2:00 pm, with a reception immediately following.
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