Frances Hren
March 3, 1903 - February 19, 2006
Obituary
FRANCES HREN
After a full life of 102 years, just 10 days shy of her 103rd birthday, Frances passed away on February 19th, 2006 surrounded by her family. Frances was born in Draga Bela- cerkev, Yugoslavia, now Slovenia on March 3rd, 1903. Frances tried to immigrate to America with her mother from Holland aboard a troop ship. They were turned back due to troop movement. They finally received a letter stating they could continue their journey. On departure they had to stop several times as the ship was being bombed. Finally they arrived at Ellis Island after many hardships. Their destination was Diamondville, Wyoming where her father Vincent, and her brother Frank Lumbert settled several years before. They opened a tavern in Diamondville named “Our Place”. Frances attended school in Diamondville and attended the 3rd grade at the age of 11 because of the language barrier. She then decided to become a nanny for the Sneddon family and then the Christmas Family in Kemmerer, Wyoming Frances married Frank Hren on December 15, 1921 To that union they had 3 children, Frank Hren deceased, Frank J Hren deceased June 5, 2004 and daughter Frances J Peterson of Seattle. Frank and Frances were well known in Diamondville for selling meat, produce, and flowers for Memorial Day, while Frank worked in the coal mine. In 1942 Frank and Frances moved to Seattle with their family. Frank worked at Todd Shipyard and then went into business for himself as a builder while Frances worked for Boeing and then Washington Coop and Acme Poultry until retirement. Frank passed away in 1970. They were known in the Slovenian community for their activities in the Lodges and Frank playing the button box accordion for weddings and parties. Frances was a member of the Slovenia National Benefit Society, Western Slovenic of Denver, Zarja National Catholic Society. Frances loved taking care of her flowers and her faithful companion Bebe, her cat. Frances leaves behind 6 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 3 great, great grandchildren. She is also survived by three nieces, Gloria Ball Greenriver, WY Fani Hottel and Pepca Novak Cleveland, OH. Frances claimed her longevity was due to not smoking, or drinking but making homemade chicken noodle soup which she ate everyday. Frances was an outstanding cook. Her family favorite was Goulash and pastry making was her specialty. Apple strudel, Slovenian Potica and flancati. Viewing will be Thursday from 1:00 to 8:00 at Washington Memorial Park. Funeral mass Friday 6:30 at St. Thomas Church in Tukwila with dinner reception following. Internment will be private. The bells will be ringing at “Santa Helena Catholic Church” in Draga, Slovenia the day of her mass. Mom, you’ve had a long life and brought joy to many. We love you and will miss you. Memorials to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in memory of Frank Hren, Jr. Arrangements entrusted to BONNEY-WATSON WASHINGTON MEMORIAL, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac 206 242-1787. Please sign the online memorial at www.bonneywatson.com.
The last time I saw my grandma was last year at this time. She was very alert and knew who I was. She even pointed out the birds outside her window to us. She loved animals. Grandma lived a good long life on this earth,which is only a blink of what lays ahead. Rest in peace Grandma. Love your family in Alaska, Steven and Deborah and your Grand-grandchildren Kyle,Laura,Kadee,Abigail,Caleb and Sarah Maxwell
The last time I saw my grandma was last year at this time. She was very alert and knew who I was. She even pointed out the birds outside her window to us. She loved animals. Grandma lived a good long life on this earth,which is only a blink of what lays ahead. Rest in peace Grandma. Love your family in Alaska, Steven and Deborah and your Grand-grandchildren Kyle,Laura,Kadee,Abigail,Caleb and Sarah Maxwell
Frances was a good friend of my grandma Anna Groznik and Grandpa Anton Groznik in Diamonville. My father, Stan Groznik, also knew Frances and her husband. He sends his heartfelt condolences. My memory of Frances was when I went to I think her 70th birthday with my Mother and Father Stan and Carol Groznik. It was a wonderful celebration. That was the first time I saw a button accordian and the first time I partook in the “Chicken Dance”. My father speaks highly of the Hren family. He has a lot of fond memories.
Janet Groznik Foote
Our Deepest Sympathy and
Prayers are with All of
You at this time.
To the family of Frances Hern,My prayers and sympathy to you on the passing of this dear lady.
I read the obituary with great interest as my grandparents both came from Draga, Slovenia just before 1900. They settled in St. Mary’s, PA and were in the timber business maiking staves for the wine barrels . It is my hope to trave to Draga this July, 2012. I will pray for your dear mother at St. Helena ‘s Church.