M. Frances "Fran" Gazdik

Born in York, Nebraska to Irish immigrants Thomas & Flor-ence Gallagher, Fran’s fondest memories were growing up on the family farm and working summers at the North Rim of Grand Canyon. With a B.S. from Briar Cliff College (Sioux City) in hand, Fran and sister Pat moved west to San Francisco, where Fran was a nuclear technician & chemist at the Law-rence National Laboratory in Berkeley.

Lifelong friendships and love were found through Old St. Mary’s Center in SF. After marrying John Gazdik in 1960, she put her career on hold to raise a family in Marinwood. Fran was a devoted mother and community member: she estab-lished the Volunteer Program at Mary E. Silveira Elementary School and help found its Outdoor Ed Program; taught CCD for St. Isabella’s; supported the Mater Dei Guild and Friends of Carmel for the Carmelite Monastery in Marinwood; was an As-sociate Member of the Marian Missionaries of Jesus Crucified; a member of Friends of the Public Library and the Nazareth House Auxiliary.

Fran is predeceased by husband, John, and son-in-law, Stacey Howe. She is survived by son John Gazdik (Diana) of Novato; daughter Kathy Newman (Russ), of Napa; daughter, Patricia Howe of Pollock Pines; grandchildren Andrew (Laura) & Mark Newman; Hayley Gazdik; Matthew, Mariah & Elizabeth Howe; great-granddaughter Emma Newman; sister Pat Mazzini of Sonoma; and beloved nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.

For those who wish to make a memorial contribution, we sug-gest The Marian Missionaries of Jesus Crucified, Queen of Peace Oratory, 319 Nile Court, Vacaville, CA 95688; or Hospice by the Bay Health.