Frances Aurelia Thompson was happily welcomed into the world on May 25,1949. She joined her parents, Cecil William (aka Bill) and Barbara (Western), as well her older siblings Barbara Anne, Christine, Bill, and Joe. They lived in Monticello, Utah at the time. Cleova was also born there, and while Frances was still very young, the family moved to Mesa, Arizona, where the youngest sister Tannis joined the Thompson Tribe.
Francie grew up in a very loving family, one who took in any and all that needed a little extra help. She cherished her family, thought the world of her wonderful, kind-hearted mother, and adored her hard-working, dedicated father. Francie excelled in art, enjoying multiple mediums, and won several awards while in high school. Francie was also a darling Mesa High Bunny! After high school, she continued to make beautiful art, and wrote quite a few poems.
For many years she went by the name of Fritz. She married Ed Davidson, though they later divorced. They had three children, Becky, Joleen and Terence, and raised them in Tempe, Arizona. Frances opened her heart and home to Elberta Gorman so she could attend school in Tempe. The kids have happy memories of silly songs, playing in thunderstorms, home sewn clothing, the most delicious tamales, caramel corn, food fights, creative home decorating, and much more. Mom was the story lady at their elementary school, and could make the best sound effects. She was a very fun mom!
Throughout her life, Frances was continually supportive of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always celebrating them with the loudest claps, fingersnaps and enthusiastic “WooHoo”s!
Serving others came naturally to Frances. She graciously shared her time, talents, home and heart. She loved to craft with her grandkids. She donated bone marrow to her brother. She was an amazing friend, neighbor and visiting teacher, always mindful of those who needed extra care. Frances was generous in her compliments, even to strangers, taking every opportunity to make someone feel seen and bring a smile to their face. And her hugs!!! She gave the best and most heartfelt hugs. They were gifts to the recipient!
Frances loved sunrises and sunsets, and did not miss very many of them. Rainstorms, the desert and the Superstition Mountains also brought Frances great joy. She enjoyed chocolate, and often frequented the See’s Candies store. Ice cream was not only a favorite but a tradition, and she firmly believed in the power of Vitamin DQ!
Books were very special to Frances, including the scriptures, the dictionary and the thesaurus! She loved going to the library and bookstores, collecting hundreds of books, and carefully choosing special ones to give as gifts.
Frances was exceptionally creative and dedicated in many ways, including her church callings, her thoughtful gift giving, and most especially her greeting cards. She sent hundreds of personalized cards to family and friends for any occasion, or no occasion at all! Those tokens of her thoughtfulness and love will be missed by many!
Frances lived on her own for many years, and her children are very grateful for:
Her family members, who were like close friends.
Her close friends, who were like family.
Everyone else who kept an eye on her.
The kind and patient caregivers at Passion Hospice and Acoya Memory Care Center.
Thank you!!!
We also express gratitude to Heavenly Father for allowing us to know and love Frances, and to be known and loved by her. Frances loved God and trusted in Him. She loved praying and reading her scriptures. She always lived an upstanding life, wanting to do everything just the way her Father would want. She knew she was a daughter of God.
Mom, we love you so much it tickles inside! Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. We will miss your wonderful hugs and happy dances, and look forward to the next ones! Woohoo!
A memorial service will be held in Frances’s honor.
1:00pm, Saturday, March 25, 2023
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints building
6001 S Lakeshore Dr, Tempe AZ 85283
All are welcome, and invited to stay afterwards for reminiscing and refreshments.
A link to the memorial service is posted below so it can be viewed remotely.
https://rebrand.ly/LakeshoreWard (https://rebrand.ly/LakeshoreWard)
The Passcode is: Alma10
Frances will be interred at the Mesa Cemetery on a different day.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tempe Public Library that Frances so loved, or any other library. Thank you!
Frances, i’ll miss you dearly! Thank you for clinging to me while you were in our care at Acoya. I’ll miss you sweet face & your kind compliments to us all. Your hugs & smile will be missed dearly. You raised some amazing children, & im thankful to have known you & them. 🤍
Thank you for being a wonderful aunt. I sure love you.
As a child I remember our family The Wood family receiving some of that Carmel popcorn as a gift every Christmas. As an adult when I moved back into the ward I was lucky to have her come visit me as she was my visiting teacher. I remember sometime last year the last time she came to church. I spoke with her. She was sure a special person to me and I have super fond memories of my childhood of her. We will miss you. Love to Terry and Kathlynn and Jolene and Becky and family.
We have known Frances since the 1970’s and watched each of her children grow into outstanding adults.
Frances was remarkable in the way she remembered our children with cards or gifts on special occasions.
She was the first to notice someone who was alone or over-looked and acted to cheer and include them.
She actively looked for the ones she could lift and brighten. When given any assignment she could be counted on to follow through completely. Frances walked by faith and felt things will work out as they should. Our lives are enriched for knowing her.
Frances crossing over is still one of the hardest things that I can accept! We were best friends through most of High School. We “TP ed” houses, cruised Main St. and were each others Confidant. After we both were married and had children we would meet for lunch at the Top Shelf Restaurant which was about half way between our homes. I loved her and her art and talents, her cards, and her delightful sense of humor! See you on the other side Fritz!
I loved my sweet cousin, Francy!!! Even though I have always lived far away from Francy and all her extended family they have felt like best friends! Francy was always had such a sweet spirit. Oh how I wish I could be there to share personally in her life celebration. All her family will be in my thoughts and prayers. The reunion with Bill and Barbara must have been exciting. Please know our love and prayers are with all the extended family.