Frances E. Stephens

Frances E. Stephens, 85, beloved mother, passed away quietly on Wednesday, December 11, 2019.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Leonard, of 52 years. She is survived by a sister, Carroll Stephens of Alameda, CA; her daughters, Lori Slaybaugh (Roger) of Pottstown, PA; Juli Stephens, of NM; Kelli Hermanns (Phillip) of Albuquerque, NM. Frances has 5 grandchildren: Kara, Duncan, Gregg and Grant Hermanns and Keith Slaybaugh; 2 great-grandchildren: Riley Skye and Harper Luna Hermanns and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much.

Frances Elinor was born in Berkeley, CA on May 20, 1934 to Hillmor and Clara (Monroe) Smith. Her father worked at Standard Oil as an engineer and Clara was a homemaker and nurse. Frances was a survivor of Bulbar Polio and Encephalitis as a teenager. Upon her graduating from Holy Names High School in Oakland, CA, she was awarded a scholarship to the College of Arts and Crafts in the Bay Area. Frances only completed 2 years of college before marrying the love of her life, Leonard. They started their family and were involved in every aspect of their children's lives, from school to church. Frances' creative outlet was art. She worked on bazaars, May Day festivals, children's school productions, Girl Scouts, teaching swimming, Mother's Clubs, costumes.

When the time came to retire, Leonard and Fran moved to Placitas in 1986. They built their dream home. They were involved in the community and especially with the San Antonio Mission. Frances sewed vestments and banners, created designs for stained glass windows and participated in the choir. She truly loved her faith and helped within the church whenever it was possible. Even though, Joe Harris of Sandoval County Sheriffs Department, started Blessings Day, Frances and Nancy Hawkes ran with the idea, leaving a legacy that will live on and will continue to grow in the future.

Frances was an avid beader. She was proud of the many Blue Ribbons she won at the State Fair over the years. She was always creating items such as wooden Nativities, wooden ristras and other such items that she sold or if you were lucky been given.

Frances was a loving wife, mother, and friend. She was funny, witty, outspoken, passionate, loyal, smart, kind and had a no nonsense manner about her.

Frances has many family and friends who would like to participate and say their final goodbyes in person. They will require to make travel arrangements. The Rosary will be recited Saturday, January 18, 2020, 10:00 a.m. Eulogy will begin at 10:30 a.m. Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Services will be held at San Antonio Catholic Mission in Placitas. Following the service there will be a Celebration of Life at the Missions social center. Any memorial contributions can be made in her name to the charity of your choice. Thank you for understanding.