In Loving Memory of
Frances Ogren Soli
09/23/1936 – 11/01/2024
Thanksgiving Memorial
Thursday, November 28, 2024
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Recording of Thanksgiving Memorial
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Frances Ogren Soli on Nov. 1 in Littleton, Colorado. Fran left this world as she lived in it, surrounded by love, family, and a zest for life that touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Please join us to celebrate the many moments of kindness, caring, giggles and waves of excitement that we all shared with Fran throughout her 88 years of a well-lived life. Son Eric, daughter Ann and their families will host a virtual event from San Francisco on Thanksgiving Day, so that friends and family may celebrate their love and gratitude for Fran during the family’s most cherished holiday.
Please RSVP below and mark your calendar and join us on your phone, tablet or computer on Thanksgiving Day. We will gather well before you sit down for turkey dinner.
Sue Ogren Kenny
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I remember the many Ogren gatherings at Grandma Ogrens house near Kiron Iowa. . Most of the 11 cousins would be there enjoying the farm and all its adventures!! Aunt Fran would be the ring leader of kids going in every direction and it was like herding cats!!! All would venture up to Uncle Allen’s and Aunt Renea’s far fun times of horseback riding and feast of Iowa Beef. After my Mom passed when I was 30, Aunt Fran was always just a phone call away. She and Aunt Betty/ Uncle Bill Bill as well as Uncle John came to Iowa for many visits with brothers Allen and Chester. She always had a big smile and vibrant laugh that was contagious!!!
Mike Haight
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I was very sad to hear of Fran’s passing. – she was such a big part of my high school and college years. I met Eric when I was only 15, and he’s been one of my best friends for the last 40+ years. So I got to know Eric’s family very well. Fran and John were the “cool parents,” who truly enjoyed having a house full of teenaged boys – and then young college men – constantly hanging about. And hang about we did. For 7 or 8 years the Soli house at Royal Crest (and also at Sea Casa) was our club-house.. Most of our nights would start there, and many of those nights would turn in to hung-over mornings at the kitchen table. Fran would feed us breakfast while simultaneously quizzing each of us about our lives and about our plans for the future. Fran loved chatting with us. She enjoyed hearing about what we were up to,, and even teasing us a bit too.. . Lord knows we deserved it! When I close my eyes and picture Fran, I can still see her saying hello with a big smile on her face and a knowing twinkle in her eyes. It was like she knew I was up to something, but she didn’t mind a bit! I will miss Fran very much, but I will always treasure my memories of our time spent together. Eric and Ann – thank you for sharing your wonderful Mom with me. She loved you both very much, and I know you each made her very proud.
Jon Whittington
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Mrs. Fran Soli was a steady and grounding presence during a turbulent time in my life. Her kindness, wisdom, and quiet guidance were exactly what I needed as an adolescent navigating life with little parental supervision. I’ll always be grateful for her compassion and the example she set. She will be deeply missed.
Pam (Vale) Branch
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Sending love and comfort to your whole family at this difficult time.
Tyler Phillips
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There is nothing harder than losing our loved one’s.
My heart goes out to you and Ann and all of your family at this very difficult time.
Judy Tarte
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Fran was the sister I never had. We met when our daughters were in preschool and traveled many roads together literally and figuratively. She took me into her home, urged me through the rough times, celebrated the good ones…many get aways to the beach house, lots of laughs and good times with friends! We were family and I miss her.
MaryL Turner
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Fran was a very special friend and a member of the “Y Gals”! We miss her! Love to her family!
MaryL Turner
Amy Griggs
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Fran was so welcoming when we moved into the neighborhood. She helped me understand some of the finer points of entertaining, was always a listening ear, and loved sharing a glass of wine. Has missed her ever since she moved.
John Brooks Noyd
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I grew up with Fran in Odebolt, IA back in the 50s and 60s. Our parents were life long friends. I have many memories of Fran from activities at the Odebolt Lutheran Church (latter Faith Lutheran). Fran and I visited from time to time since the 60s when we happened to be in Odebolt at the same time. We may even be related as far distant cousins from relatives back in Sweden. My grandparents spent their first winter after arriving from Sweden in 1902 or 1903 living on the Ogren farm north of Kiron. I am a first cousin of Nadine Noyd Proctor, whose father George Noyd was 2 years old when he arrived in Kiron with his parents.. Nadine and Fran are lifelong friends and were classmates in Odebolt. My condolences to Fran’s family.
Melissa Bragg
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I remember Fran fondly from our joint P.E.O. days. She always had a smile to share with us all and plenty of energy as well.
My condolences to all her family and friends.
Helen Soli
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I called her mom Fran because she was my mother-in-law and girlfriend always up to trying something new and keeping up with traditions. I will always cherish the fun & experiences we had together. Many of them in San Francisco from eating raw oysters to prepping for Thanksgiving, always my sous chef, decorating the Christmas tree with your original ornaments that you passed onto Eric, and playing games with baby Anders, never flinching to get on the floor with him. You were always in great spirit; a shining light and I admired that so much. I guess you instilled that into Eric. I MISS YOU mama Fran and I am grateful to have so many wonderful memories of you. xoxo
L Mandel
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Always sassy and classy! From a very young age—I have been in the Soli Family’s sphere since the late ’60s—I always had a fan in Fran; she “shot from the hip” with an educator’s care. Her voice and laugh were unmistakable and the pride she took in Eric and Ann’s early achievements; Eric living overseas for Levis and Ann’s modeling career was vibrant —she would (absolutely) sparkle when recapping the happenings. “Mrs. Soli” and her wit will be missed!
Susan Burke
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I will always be grateful to Fran for opening her heart to me and my husband and sharing her humor, love, and wisdom.
Janis Remer
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I still remember the very first time I met Fran in Tempe AZ when Ann and I were college roommates. She took us to a fancy brunch ! She had the biggest smile and brightest eyes! Her energy was so positive and vibrant . Fran had a special way of making you feel good and you were special . She raised 2 amazing children to carry on her memory. Fran will be missed beyond words. May her memory always be a blessing.
Susan Flack
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Ann and Eric – Mike and I have fond memories during your wedding planning and related events. She was delightful to talk with and we enjoyed watching her attentive interaction with you. She beamed with pride. Again, our condolences to you and your family. We like your Thanksgiving day plan to honor your Mom via Zoom. So smart. ♥️
Penelope Smith porter
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Fran and I were the best of friends for appox. 50 years. We laughed,cried,and spent many hours being there for each other. I especially love our trips to Mexico,with all the close friends and family. I remember Fran holding my hand over the bathtub as I gave back all the gin
She was,(is) a wonderful friend and a great teacher .I am filled with sadness and also great memories. I love to Annie and Eric and their families.🥰