Time For Memory

Frances Jo Kraai

1946 - 2005

Frances Jo Kraai, 59, loving wife , mother and grandmother lost her 10 year courageous battle with breast cancer on Saturday, November 5, 2005. She was in the comfort of her own home surrounded by the love of her family.

Fran was born on July 1,1946 in Detroit to Katherine Amoroso and Joseph Pampalona. Fran was the oldest of three children.

She is survived by her husband Scott Kraai of Greenville, her mother Katherine Pampalona , her sister Elizabeth Kornago and her brother Victor Pampalona of Detroit, her daughters,, Robin and Bo Vechazone of Waterford, Kimberly and Brian Griffis of Jacksonville FL, her son Victor and Jennifer Chiodini of Grand Rapids; grandchildren Emily Griffis and Brennen Vechazone. Fran is preceded in death by her father, Joseph Pampalona.

Fran was well known in the community for her involvement as a former member of the Child Study Club, 20th Century, Greenville United Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Danish Festival board of Directors and Greenville Chamber of Commerce. She was also a Stephens Minister and member of the First United Methodist Church of Greenville. Fran counseled many breast cancer patients and helped to organize and raise money for the Relay for Life.

A visitation will be held at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville on Tuesday November 8 from 4-6 and 7-9 PM. Her funeral will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Greenville on Wednesday November 9, 2005 at 9:30 AM with Rev. Dr. Harry R. Johnson officiating. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, Hospice of Michigan or First United Methodist Church of Greenville. Messages of condolence may be sent via hurstfuneralhome.com.

Fran’s passion for life and her endless love of family, her kindness and encouragement, her dignity and grace are gifts that will live on in the hearts of all.

There are currently 24 condolences.

Neil and Judie Schmachtenberger Sunday January 1, 2006 at 3:46 PM
Dear Scott and Family, We cannot believe yet Fran has not been with us this Christmas. But as a believer, she is celebrating in a much greater place than where we are... But that does not diminish the fact that we miss her, her wise counsel and her great desire to help others. We are praying for you as you start this new year with Fran in spirit. Judie and Neil

Jamie and Erv Brinker Sunday November 27, 2005 at 9:45 PM
We were sorry to hear about Fran's death and we send our heartfelt sympathy. Fran was part of our youth and we have some fond memories of her. We remember how energetic she was and how she made us laugh with her wry sense of humor. Please accept our condolences and know that you are in our thoughts.

Kay (Mc Carthy) Ketelaar Thursday November 17, 2005 at 5:31 PM
My heart goes out to all of you. Fran & I became friends as small children. My family lived on the next block and back then, everyone was a tight-knit community family. Fran & I attended OLGC & Domincan High School together although she was a year ahead of me. She was such a great person & we had lost touch over the years. I was so glad to get to see her & everyone else at the OLGC reunion last year. We all had a great time together. Mrs. Pampalona,Victor and all of Fran's family - you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Kay Ketelaar

Kay (Mc Carthy) Ketelaar Thursday November 17, 2005 at 5:22 PM


Pat McCarthy-van der Lee Monday November 14, 2005 at 11:46 AM
We will always remember Fran from growing up in Detroit. She was one of the crowd of my sister's friends that I always wanted to be like! My prayers are for her always and for her family. I am so glad we got to see Fran at our OLGC reunion in 2004. She was the life of the party. Pat McCarthy

Marty Miller mgmmusic2001@yahoo.com Saturday November 12, 2005 at 8:06 AM
Dear Scott and family, This is Marty and Marlene Miller, and we just wanted to say how sad we are for the passing of Fran. No words can ever help the suddenness... We know because Marlene's brother just passed away last night, and everything is sort of numb... It is so good to know that God has focused on our home in Heaven so much more than man ever dreamed of, but that still doesn't heal the tearing of a heart. We will be praying for your comfort during this time and the coming year!! Marty & Marlene Miller

Mary Sims Thursday November 10, 2005 at 11:28 AM
Dearest Fran.....how I loved to see you everyday at work. Even though I was only working with you for a short time you touched me with your kindness. You were such a free-spirit and I could always count on you for a smile and warm greeting. I will never forget how strong and upbeat you were through your sickness. I will talk to you every night now in my prayers. I will miss you my friend, rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Scott. Take care and God bless. Love, Mary

Lori Armock Tuesday November 8, 2005 at 7:34 PM
Scott, my prayers go out to you and the Family. Fran touched many lives and I feel lucky to have known her. Thankfully, you will always have wonderful memories to hold close to your heart. Sorry I couldn't make it to the memorial or visitation. Thinking of you at this difficult time....Love, Lori Armock

Stan & Lynn Johnson Tuesday November 8, 2005 at 7:33 PM
our deapest simpaty for loss, our thouthts go out to all the Kraai family.

Bob Dunlap Tuesday November 8, 2005 at 3:24 PM
Scott, my sympathy to you and the family. Best Regards

Sarah Van Wyk Tuesday November 8, 2005 at 12:45 PM
I only knew Fran for about 2 years, but I will never forget her. She will certainly be missed. Scott and family, you are in our prayers. Tom and Sarah Van Wyk

Jason & Nikki Bays Tuesday November 8, 2005 at 12:14 PM
Scott, our deepest sympathies to your family and the Pampalona's. We hope you are comforted by the love of family and friends and find peace in the assuredness of your faith.

Lea Dressler Tuesday November 8, 2005 at 9:33 AM
What ideally descriptive words painting such a true picture of the courageous, fun-loving, and beautiful person Fran Kraai. She was such a strong and positive influence on so many people’s lives. She was truly a joy to have around the office. I will fondly remember her playing “The Friday Song” and celebrating in her office, looking forward to the weekend. Last year (July ’04) I was lucky enough to have her liven up my wedding reception with her famous dancing and Sandra Dee impersonations to the “Greased Lightening” song. She really knew how to live it up! Her presence and spirit will be missed greatly. My deepest sympathy goes out to all those who loved her, especially Scott and her entire family. Lea

Paul and Nancy Blauwkamp Monday November 7, 2005 at 11:12 PM
Dear cousin Scott and family, Our hearts are very saddened to hear of Fran's passing. We loved her from the day we met her. A warm, sweet, fun and loving person. Our love and sympathy to all of you, our prayers are with you as you continue on with her precious memories tucked in your hearts forever.

Jennifer Stencel Doro Monday November 7, 2005 at 2:31 PM
Scott and Family, our deepest sympathy to all you. Francie Jo's warmth and beautiful smile will be greatly missed. Her grace and wonderful spirit will stay with us forever. Our love and prayers are with all of you.

Genny (LeFever) Towne Monday November 7, 2005 at 12:13 PM
Scott and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Hope you are doing ok. I know she battled with this for a long time, as you have also. If you ever need to just talk or a shoulder... I am thinking of you all... Genny Towne

Terry McCarthy Monday November 7, 2005 at 10:21 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with Fran's family. Fran was a fantastic person and friend, we new each other when we lived on the East Side of Detroit. She was always smiling. May she rest in peace.

Geoff Momber Monday November 7, 2005 at 10:00 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with the Kraai family. I am so sorry to hear the news. She fought so courageously for so long, but I know now she is at peace. God bless.

Cheryl Sopcak Monday November 7, 2005 at 9:03 AM
Constant prayers an deepest sympathy abound for the entire Kraai and Pampalona family. Fran has certainly been a ray of light shining my path and will remain as such forever.

Diane Moss Monday November 7, 2005 at 8:41 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with your family in the passing of Fran. She was a beautiful person and was loved by many friends. She will be sadly and dearly missed. May God Bless You All in this difficult time of sorrow. I will continue to pray for all of you as she lives on in all of our hearts.

Jessica Eluskie Monday November 7, 2005 at 8:00 AM
Scott, we are so very sorry and our hearts go out to you and your family. Fran was very special to us and if there is any thing we can do please let us know. Ray and Jessica Eluskie

Lenny & Ruth Amoroso Sunday November 6, 2005 at 7:40 PM
Scott: Ruth and I were saddened to hear about Francie Jo. I remember the fun all of the Amoroso's used to have at family get togethers. When I got my first job, I had to travel to Grand Rapids often and Francie would always invite me over. She will be missed by a lot of people.

Sandy and Steve Wood Sunday November 6, 2005 at 5:53 PM
Scott and family, Our hearts ache for you and your loss. Fran was such a wonderful friend to me. I remember coming to clean your house at the time of her first initial surgery. I can't believe it's been 10 years. I'm going to miss her. Let me know if there is anything at all I can do for you. I know you have many close friends and many loving family members to help you all through this time. You have all of them because you and Fran were wonderful people. I will be in touch. Thinking and praying for you, Sandy Wood

Milt & Joy Meininger Sunday November 6, 2005 at 5:32 PM
Aunt Kay, Scott and family, We are so sorry to hear of Franci Jo's passing but glad her suffering is over. We are so proud to have had her in our wedding party almost 40 years ago. She was so beautiful. We will have fond memories of her dancing up a storm at Cynthia's (Angela's daughter) wedding. She was so full of energy then. Sincerely, Milt & Joy Meininger

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