March 13, 1943 — Dec. 30, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Alayne Francis of Ashland on Dec. 30 at the age of 81.
Jean was born in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, to Edna and Allan Sorensen. Her father was stationed there as a civil engineer. She is survived by her loving husband, Chick; her children Chris, Anne and Patrick; grandchildren Natalie, Joshua, Hannah, Mika and Alex; two nieces; and numerous cousins.
Jean graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in 1966 and went on to a successful professional career, first as a personnel executive for the state of Illinois and later as the director of personnel for Southern Illinois University in Springfield.
In 1980, Jean and Chick moved to Petaluma, California. She worked in personnel management at Sonoma State University for a few years before applying her superior skills in the real estate field, becoming a successful and well-respected realtor in Petaluma.
In July 1999, Jean and Chick retired to Ashland, where they purchased a great house in the mountains with spectacular views from their wraparound deck. They lived happily there for 25 years. Jean and Chick wanted to grow old together — and they did — for 55 wonderful years!
Jean enjoyed cooking and was a fabulous home chef. The grandkids loved her spaghetti and meatballs with her special family-secret sauce, and she had a special bookshelf dedicated to her many cookbooks. She continually discovered new recipes on cooking websites, too, and her family happily consumed those creations.
Jean was also an avid gardener with a magical green thumb. The evidence is still in bloom in both the house and the lush, landscaped yard. Her love of nature also led to daily walks with Chick in Ashland’s beautiful Lithia Park.
Animals were important to Jean, and the family had a dozen dogs during her lifetime. One feline, too, who appeared on their deck in Ashland one day, choosing Jean and Chick as his new parents.
An enthusiastic sports fan, Jean loved watching professional golf and NFL football on TV, and she was a loyal 49ers fan. She kept up daily with world events and enjoyed lively conversations about the latest news. She would read the San Francisco Chronicle’s Sunday Edition from cover to cover and usually read the Wall Street Journal first thing every morning, before Chick could even read it.
Cherished by her entire family and many loyal lifelong friends, Jean was the kindest, sweetest, most generous and thoughtful person you’d ever want to meet. She is sorely missed!
A friends and family graveside service was held Jan. 9 at Cypress Hill Cemetery in Petaluma, followed by a family-only memorial reception at a private residence. She was laid to rest in a plot near her brother Steve, who passed in 1998.
Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma, California 94952, provided the funeral services. Donations in Jean’s memory can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, ASPCA or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean Alayne Francis, please go to the Parent-Sorenson website.
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