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BORN
1925
DIED
2022
Marie Franza Obituary
Marie Anne (Gollbach) Franza passed away peacefully at her home at My Father's Retirement Ranch in Wickenburg, AZ, on March 8, 2022. Born on March 3, 1925 in East Nicolaus, CA, to Joseph and Anna Gollbach, Marie lived to celebrate her 97th birthday. She attended McClatchey High School in Sacramento and completed her schooling to become a registered nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in San Francisco. Marie was proud to say she worked until she was 90 years old!
She was an incredible oil painter, top notch gardener, great cook (learned from her Italian mother-in-law), proficient jigsaw puzzle aficionado, and loved to read. In her later years at My Father's she watched the Hallmark channel daily, and loved any and all British series or movies – can you say Downton Abbey?
She loved her Friday lunches with family and friends in California. In her years at "the ranch" she enjoyed playing Bingo and cards, and she never missed her weekly hair and monthly nail appointments.
Marie is survived by her children Tom (Bev) Franza, Chris (Frank) Salmen, and Cathy Pallari (David), grandson Chris Pallari (Ashlee) and great-granddaughter Ravyn Marie. Preceded in death by Gene, her loving husband of 57 years, parents Joseph and Anna Gollbach, and her brother Larry.
Many thanks to My Father's Retirement Ranch and Hospice of the Valley for their excellent care and loving support.
A Rosary will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 1500 Old Mission Rd., Colma, CA on Friday, March 18, at 10:00 am. Viewing begins at 9:30 am.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marie Franza
2 Entries
Larry & Juanita milburn
March 21, 2022
I remember Marie Anne for the kind person she was at my fathers medical practice. She always had a smile and a nice greeting for patients and friends. She was a great friend to our family. Marie Anne and her husband were always invited to the parties at my parents home. She was a dear friend to my father and mother. One of the finest memories I have of Marie Anne was that she knew where candy box was in my fathers office when I was a little boy. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you rest in peace Marie Anne.
With love,
The Milburn Family
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Michael Woods
March 20, 2022
I'll always think of you as Tommy, Chrissy, and Cathy who lived in the big house on the corner of Cayuga and Geneva with a thick palm tree in front. How well I remember your mother, always looking nice and confident, and how my mother would call her for medical advice. Playing in your house was always a treat for me, since mine was always a mess and chaotic. I am sorry she is gone, and sorry for your loss. She was a remarkable woman that I always looked up to, and now that we're all headed in her direction, she should serve as an inspiration and model for living.
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