Frances "Fran" Pelella July 11, 1932-June 15, 2012 Obituary

Fran Pelella passed away on June 15, 2012 in Kennewick, Washington after a courageous battle with cancer. Fran was born on July 11, 1932 in Poughkeepsie and grew up in Newburgh, along the Hudson River in the lower Hudson Valley of New York State, where she learned the meaning of a hard day's work. She worked on the family farm and at a young age understood the business of chickens and cows, fruit growing and vegetable gardening while always looking forward to that trip to the river to catch fish.

It was later in life when she realized how hard that work was and how it paid off. Fran's work ethic and sense of loyalty was instilled in her three children, which she raised as a single parent during their adolescent years, and worked a full time job. She encouraged her kids to work hard, enjoy sports and have fun- but not until the house and yard chores were done.

Fran supported her children's dreams and never held them back from doing what they wanted to do. She also enjoyed family and extended family barbeques, trips to the pool, and a friendly game of cards. If you have ever played cards with Fran-especially pinochle, you know how passionate she could become about it. Her kitchen table was open to family and friends who wanted to play and enjoy a good cup of coffee. There was always a pot of sauce with pasta, salad and Italian bread. And her children's friends were always around where they were part of the family. In 1980, Fran followed her children to the Tri Cities where she worked for Burns and Roe and then later Energy Northwest as a document control clerk until she retired in 1997. During these years she enjoyed cooking from her garden, family get togethers and following her grandchildren's school and sports activities. For several years Fran was a season's ticket holder at the Tri-City Americans hockey games and loved watching those players who made it to the NHL. She was an avid NHL hockey fan for over 40 years and enjoyed the 2012 Stanley Cup right to the end.

Fran loved living in the Tri-Cities, following grandkids and celebrating every holiday with family. Shopping the fresh markets and annual trips to the Oregon coast with her family were especially fun and enjoyable.

Fran enjoyed living at her retirement complex where she organized a birthday club and kept at it for 7 years making sure every member had a card on their birthday and a special dessert during their monthly birthday celebration.

Fran is survived by her three children Debbie Pelella-Pettit Ron of Richland, Marianne Banta Tom of Kennewick and Mark Pelella Gina of Norwalk, Connecticut. Grandchildren Jason Webb Abbie of Bothell, Wa, Kristine Webb of Richland, Jasen Banta Jennifer of Kennewick, Amber Stoner of Mountlake Terrace, Wa, Nick Banta of Kennewick, Nicole Caruso Stephen of Washington D.C., Alexandra Pelella and Mark Pelella II of Norwalk, Connecticut; and five great grandchildren. Sisters Shirley Lacey Mel of Kennewick, Susan Fishel of Mesa, Arizona and Terry Thom Keith of Bradenton, Florida and numerous nieces and nephews.

Fran was preceded in death by her mother Elizabeth Tatman and step father Carl Tatman.

Fran's strength helped during her valiant fight with cancer. Even during those tough days, Fran stayed strong and made friends with all those who treated and cared for her.

She is and will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Lower Valley Hospice and Palliative Care 3920 Outlook Road, Sunnyside, We 98944, in memory of Frances Pelella.

Please join her family at 2:00pm for her Celebration of Life on August 11, 2012 at 701 S Taft Street Kennewick, Wa in the backyard 735-3818. A private inurnment will be held at a later date at Sunset Memorial Gardens Richland, Wa.