Mary Frances Lefere, 75, dearly loved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and sisters on July 21, 2013. Born in Jackson, Michigan, Mary Frances moved to Phoenix in 1977 with her husband Joe and their 6 children. She nurtured her children tenderly with unconditional love. She was always up for an adventure; snorkeling, hiking mountains, viewing cherry blossoms, touring the UK, and visiting the Holy Land. Oh, the places she would go traveling the US to visit her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed fun times with many friends. Even on her journey home, she gained the affection of all she met. Mary Frances is preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Joseph, her parents Archibald and Harriet Kirk, and her sister Cathy Cole. She is survived by her children Joseph (Erika Kauppi), Mary Frances Johnson (Ron), Jennifer (Rick Cuthbert), Maureen, Allison (Sean Sanders), and Karen (Ted Chaplain), eight adoring grandchildren Madeline, Ronnie, Alexandra, Matthew, Luke, Clare, Catherine and Levi, her brothers Steve (Tracey), Larry (Elaine) and Joe (Sunantra) Kirk, her sisters Reni (Dave) Clemons and Marie (Pam Overfelt) Kirk. We miss her more than words can convey. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 PM, Wednesday, July 24, 2013 with the Rosary at 7:00 PM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, July 25, 2013 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 North Central Avenue, Phoenix. Interment to follow at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Joanie Lefere
Cousins and Kirk family:
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Aunt Francie was such a wonderful person. I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of her. Hugs to all of you from afar. Love, Joanie Lefere.
Pat Lefere
Prayers and condolences from Wendy and I for the whole family. She was such a loving and caring person…Heaven truly has a new Angel. Regret that we are unable to be there with you during this difficult time.
Much love…Pat & Wendy