Search by Name

Search by Name

Catherine Franks

1949 - 2025

Catherine Franks obituary, 1949-2025, Hemet, CA

BORN

1949

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Miller Jones Mortuary and Crematory - Hemet

1501 W. Florida Avenue

Hemet, California

Catherine Franks Obituary

Catherine M. Parkkonen Franks, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at the age of 76.

Born in 1949, Cathi was the daughter of the late Catherine Parkkonen and Otto E. Parkkonen, Sr. Cathi was raised in Hammonton, New Jersey, and over the years made her home in Somers Point and Toms River, New Jersey, and finally Hemet, California.

Catherine worked at the Social Security Administration, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, and later at Cedar Grove Elementary School in Toms River, where she was known for her kindness and care toward students and colleagues alike. She devoted most of her life to being a loving and devoted homemaker. She also gave her time and heart as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, representing the best interests of abused and neglected children in court proceedings.

She had a sharp wit and a warm sense of humor, could make a mean Rusty Nail (her favorite drink), and loved the thrill of a good yard sale. Cathi was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, sharing laughter and stories.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen G. Franks, and her brother, Otto E. Parkkonen, Jr.

She is survived by her two sons, Brian and Kevin (Jessica) Franks, two grandchildren, Juniper and Jessie, as well as her siblings Mimi (Donald) Capelli, Maureen Donato, and David (Sue) Parkkonen. Cathi also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews, who will remember her warmth, humor, and fierce love for her family.

Cathi's legacy is one of dedication and joy in life's simple pleasures. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those whose lives she touched.

To honor Cathi's memory, donations may be made to Anchor Health Hospice, whose compassionate care brought comfort to her and her family.

https://www.anchorhpc.com/donate-hospice-care.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Press of Atlantic City on Aug. 21, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Franks

Sponsored by Miller Jones Mortuary and Crematory - Hemet.

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Daniel and Maria Walters

August 23, 2025

Our sincerest condolences to The Parkkonon and Franks families. Cathy was a high school student of ours at Oakcrest High School in Mays Landing, New Jersey. She was an excellent student and a very special individual. The Walters (Daniel and Maria)

Mary Lynn Doernbach

August 21, 2025

My sincere condolences.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Catherine Franks's name

Memorial Events
for Catherine Franks

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Miller Jones Mortuary and Crematory - Hemet

1501 W. Florida Avenue, Hemet, CA 92543

How to support Catherine's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Catherine Franks's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more