Mary Elizabeth Lafranchi

Passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and caregivers on August 12, 2017. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 53 years, Will Lafranchi. She was also predeceased by her siblings Bob Hall, George Hall and Alice Weinholdt. She was the loving mother to her six children, Randy, Rick (Debby), Jan Reilly (Kevin), Scott (Karen), Diane Deterding (Pete), Kim Suida (Joe), 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her best friend of over 68 years, Grace Farley.

She was born Mary Elizabeth Hall on October 7, 1929 to George and Bessie Hall, the youngest of four children. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Petaluma High School in 1947.

She met her husband, Will, while dancing at the Cotati dances. They settled on the Lafranchi Ranch in Nicasio, where she lived for the rest of her life.  Mary was an active member of the Nicasio community, volunteering for the mother’s club, 4-H, Ladies Auxiliary, Nicasio Historical Society and St. Mary’s Church.

Always the generous hostess, Mary was never happier than when she was entertaining a houseful of people. She loved gardening, baking, holidays, helping others and attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and performances.  Even though mom was busy raising her six children, she always had room for more at her table and her home.

The family would like to thank her longtime caregiver, Nanci Smith, and more recent caregiver, Luisa Suranamasi for their tender, loving care.

Visitation will be Tuesday, (Today) at PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY, Petaluma from Noon to 8:00 P.M. with the Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 P.M.

The Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, August 16th  at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Church in Nicasio. The Committal service will be held on Thursday, August 17th at 10:00 A.M. at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Petaluma.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Mary’s Preservation Fund, P.O. Box 501, Nicasio, CA 94946,  in memory of Mary E. Lafranchi.

Visitation

Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory

Tuesday, August 15, 2017 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM 850 Keokuk Street Petaluma, California 94952 Directions Vigil Service

Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory

Tuesday, August 15, 2017 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM 850 Keokuk Street Petaluma, California 94952 Directions Funeral Mass

St. Mary's Catholic Church

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 4100 Nicasio Valley Road Nicasio, CA 94946 Directions Graveside Service

Calvary Catholic Cemetery-Petaluma

Thursday, August 17, 2017 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM 304 Magnolia Avenue Petaluma, CA 94952 Directions