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Frances J. Calavan
Frances J. Calavan
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Frances Calavan Obituary
She was born the first day of Spring, March 20, 1918. Both in life and death she was fiercely independent, a provider, intelligent, witty and compassionate. She loved and gave selflessly to her family and community. Frances wanted always to be a part of everything in all of her life. She was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, as Frances Krumenacher, of Swiss descent, one of five children, the only girl. She graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Dietetics.
Frances met her handsome, intelligent lawyer husband, C. Corwin Calavan, in Portland, Oregon, while working in a hospital. Three months later they were married, before he went off to the war in the Navy. In the Navy they relocated many times to many states and homes, and it was at that time C. Corwin got "his calling" to become an Episcopalian minister. He ministered in many churches in Oregon and the Bay Area throughout the years. She was a true Episcopalian minister's wife, and finally settled at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church in Orinda, Calif. After her husband's passing in 1965, Frances relocated to Moraga, Calif., where she continued to serve her church and community. She truly came into her own will and developed her passions of caring for family, serving the community on many boards, and traveling extensively.
She leaves behind her daughter, Sharon Frances; her son, Charles Corwin Jr. (Anne); daughter, Nancy Jane; and son, Robert James (Annie). She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Melissa, Rebecca, Sean, Kieran, and Lily; her brother, Joe (Lois); and extended relatives and friends.
Frances touched many lives and we miss her. She is now our Heavenly Mother.
Memorial service Sunday, January 16, 2011, at 2 p.m., at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church, 66 Saint Stephen's Dr., Orinda, Calif. For directions: www.ststephensorinda. org. Reception and inurnment to follow.
In lieu of flowers please make donations of your choice to: St. Stephen's Church Elevator Memorial Fund; Bishop's Ranch, 5297 Westside Rd., Healdsburg, CA 95448-9459, towards a memorial chair; Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St., San Francisco, CA 94108; St. Dorothy's Rest, P.O. Box B, Camp Meeker, CA, 95419; The Wellness Community, 3276 McNutt Ave., Walnut Creek, CA, 94597; or Seven Hills School, 975 San Carlos Dr., Walnut Creek, CA 94598. Wear shades of purple, her favorite color.
This obituary was originally published in The Daily Nonpareil.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
January 16, 2011
Although I had lost touch with Frances for many years, I second the beautiful tribute by Diane Renton. I am glad that I was able to come to the lovely service today.
Diane Renton
January 15, 2011
It was a privilege to have known Frances. I met Frances through my mother. She encouraged my mother to attend the senior activities at St. Stephen’s church. In later years she gave my mother rides to the monthly senior lunches. Frances was extremely resourceful. She was one of the hardest working persons I have ever met. She raised her children alone after the death of her husband and faced extreme financial hardships. Many would have crumbled but Frances didn’t give up. She built a life for herself and continued to volunteer and help others. The last time I spoke to Francis she still lived in Moraga. She spoke about her children and grandchildren with great love and pride. There are many who loved Frances for her great compassion and spirit. Many have preceded her in death and cannot write a lovely tribute which is so well deserved. The greatest tribute we can make to Frances is to follow in her path of service and live life to the fullest as she did.
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