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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