Mary Valerie Franzen, 74

Mary Valerie Franzen was born May 10, 1948, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Albert C. Hitch and Nelle M. (Durler) Hitch.

She went to Catholic school in her early years, later attending Canoga Park High School, where she graduated. She was an avid surfer and spent her summers at the beach with friends doing what she loved. She met and later married Gerald Franzen in 1966 and they moved to Simi Valley, Calif. not long after to raise their family.

She owned and operated a Macrame business in the 1970s and then worked for Alpha Beta Grocery Store until early 2000, when Ralphs Grocery became her new employer. She retired in 2004 to move to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and spend time with her precious grandchildren.

She spent her days taking them on adventures and making them happy. She was always reading from an early age and turned her love of reading into an online book business while living in Coeur d'Alene. She loved her friends and family and they were always her priority. She was brave and kept her incredible sense of humor until her sudden passing Nov. 2, 2022.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents. She is survived by her three children Gerald Franzen Jr., and Molly Franzen Haggerty (Father Gerald Franzen Sr.) and son-in-law David Haggerty, and Bryanna Franzen (Father Bryan Coulsell), grandchildren Kaitlyn and Kassidy Haggerty and many lifelong friends that were more like family — Joanne, Susan, Missy, Pam, Diana, Bev and Mike. Mary was also an organ donor and after her passing, her corneas were donated to give someone the gift of sight.

Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Homes. Online registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.