Frances Lorraine GARDNER
Obituary

Frances 'Fran' Corgan
Avid camper, fierce Scrabble competitor

Frances L. (Gardner) Corgan passed away on March 9, 2005, at North Ottawa Community Hospital.

Fran was born the youngest of four daughters to Floyd and Goldie Gardner on Feb. 6, 1931, in Muskegon, Mich. As a child, Little Franny enjoyed following her big sisters around, playing in Mona Lake, picking berries, and going fishing. As a teen, Fran clerked at the D&C Dime Store in Muskegon Heights, played the clarinet in the Tiger's marching band, and loved doing special favors for her mother. She met Jim Corgan on a blind date on January 28, 1949; and, at the age of 19, they married on July 22, 1950. Together, they raised a family of ten daughters and two sons.

Fran's home smelled of homemade cinnamon bread and hearty meals. The door was always open for the neighbors to drop in for a cup of coffee. Fran held carnivals for the neighborhood children, threw special birthday parties, and made every holiday magical. Fran was an avid camper with her family, fierce Scrabble competitor, expert stone skipper, lucky card player, and skillful horseshoe thrower. Her family will dearly miss her selflessness, devotion, loving kindness, mischievous sense of humor, and zest for life.

Fran is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, James R. Corgan; children: Mary Corgan (Jim Fisher), Anne Corgan, Jean Jannenga (Mark), Jill Bulson, Lynn Corgan (Michael Roth), Rex Corgan (Sheri), Lori Pearson (Jerry), Lisa VanderLee (Rich), Ted Corgan (Jennifer), Amy Blodgett (Steven), Gail Corgan-Head (Dennis), and Kim Corgan-Hatfield (Allen); 29 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; sisters, Marian Wolf and Irene Sweet; and special family friend, Jo Kuschel. She was preceded in death by her parents, Goldie and Floyd Gardner; sister, Edy McClain; and niece, Dorothy Gutierrez.

A funeral mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Spring Lake, with Rev. Anthony Vainavicz as celebrant. Friends may meet the family at church following the service. Memorials to Hospice of North Ottawa Community are appreciated.

Arrangements by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Spring Lake.



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