Obituary of Bessie Louise Henderson Franich

Bess passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends on June 19, 2014. She was 90 years old. Bess was born on March 15th, 1924 in Red River County, Texas where she lived her youth along with her family who were share-crop farmers. Her mother Beulah raised her along with two brothers and two sisters after her father John Monroe Henderson passed away when she was 9 years old. Bess moved to Watsonville, CA in 1948 to live with her Aunt Edna after losing her first husband Raymond Finnen who said "goodbye" to her in a dream the night he died as a US Army glider pilot in the "Battle of the Bulge". Bess worked at Singer Sewing Machine Co. in Watsonville where she developed many lifelong friends. After living in Watsonville for two years, she met Anthony J. Franich, a local attorney, they were married on December 31,1950. Bess and Anthony had three children; Marcia, John and Diane. Bess was a master seamstress and sewed for family and many friends. She was legendary for her fantastic cooking and most specifically her pies. Many people claimed that, "they were the best pies they had ever eaten." Bess had a passion for gardening, she found it meditative. She worked in her yard until she was 89 years old. Bess became a devout Catholic at age 19, and attended church every Sunday. Bess's most significant trait was her generosity and selflessness, often giving her time and money to those she felt were in need or less fortunate, Bess loved real-estate and after raising her family became a real-estate agent in 1972 and ultimately a broker. She started Franich Realty a few years later. She built her own home in Aptos in 1986 where she resided until her passing. Bess loved playing cards and could never get her fill of dancing. Her biggest pleasure was spending time with her family and friends and for many years load-up the family station wagon and drove to Texas to visit her mother, siblings and loving relatives. Bess leaves behind her three children, Marcia Franich, John Franich, Diane Franich, her daughter-in-law, Nancy Franich and four grandchildren, Tommy, Jared, Marie and Sarah Franich. She is also survived by her beloved brother John Henry Henderson of Conroe, Texas. She has many loving and treasured nieces, nephews, cousins and valued friends. She also found great love and pleasure in her two dogs Roamer and Aldo. Unquestionably, Bess was the best mother and friend one could ask for and will be deeply missed and remembered for her strong spirit and character. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Resurrection Catholic Church 7600 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA on Monday July 7, 2014 at 10:30 am. The rosary will be recited at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz, CA on Sunday July 6, at 7:00 pm. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle or express your condolences to Bess's family.