Fran Stephenson passed away surrounded by family in July at the age of 96. She is survived by her sons; grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and countless adoring friends. She was predeceased by her loving husband John "Jack" Stephenson in 1980. Fran grew up on India Street in Little Italy, San Diego to a Marchigiano father who fished and a Genovese mother who sewed giant fishing nets for pennies. With aunts and cousins nearby, she helped tend their vegetable garden, laid out fresh pasta on a sheet on her mother's bed every Sunday, and alway attended church. When WWII broke out, Fran's brother joined the Navy and she left high school to work at Convair building military aircraft. As one of the first waves of women to work in the hanger, she ran electrical conduit to the nose of the planes. With Joe overseas, she also successfully fought the authorities from taking her father away to an internment camp.
Fran wrote several books over the years -- from children's short stories to non-fictional novels to a treasured cookbook -- few even proudly self-published. She raised two sons, took care of her mother until she died, and she nursed her sick husband, who died relatively young. After Jack passed, she went to beauty school and supported herself as a manicurist well into her 80's. In addition, she was passionate about her"Ve d'Optique" 3-dimensional art and her gorgeous crochet blankets. And she ave much of herself to Our Lady of the Rosary Church: Besides serving as a eucharistic minister, she enjoyed serving as president and member of several clubs.
Fran's fierce independence, strong sense of self, clear values, ardent spirituality, and generous heart - not to mention her pasta sauce - left a lasting impact on many. She will be remembered for her stubborn determination, compassion for others, fearless self-expression, and beautifully decorated and always clean home, along with her incredible cooking and creative accomplishments.
Contributor: Sally N. Inglis (47272703) •