Billie Nolan Franey

Of White Bear Lake died peacefully at her home, July 22, 2012, surrounded by her family. She was born Sept 17, 1930, in Gilbert, Minnesota. She was educated at Stanbrook Hall in Duluth, attended Carleton College, and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Scholastica in 1952. Billie worked as a social worker for Catholic Charities in Minneapolis before marrying her husband and dearest friend Neil in 1953. Together they raised 5 children. Billie was a devoted wife and mother who highly valued family, serving many wonderful meals with her gift of cooking and hospitality. She was a loved and trusted friend who will be missed by many. She was known for her beautiful garden, being an avid reader and historian, her love of the arts, opera, and of nature. Billie and Neil traveled globally, enjoying learning about many different cultures, and enjoyed the Lake Superior North Shore. Billie was proud of her accomplishments as a social reformer who fought to make the world a better place. Billie was honored in the Who's Who of American Women (1993-94 ed.) for being an accomplished political activist. Among her accomplishments: Co-author MN Indian Study 1962; President White Bear Lake League of Women Voters 1965-67; Council of Metro Area LWV or "CMAL" (chair 1981-83 and other offices), Lobbyist at the MN Capitol for Common Cause 1979, LWV 1980, AAUW 1987-89. Member Metro Futures Task Force Metropolitan Council 1988-89; co-chair Women Come to the Capitol, Founding Board member, Minnesota Women's Consortium. Named Outstanding Young Women of America 1966. Active Member St. Paul American Association of University Women, (President 1993-95, other offices, scholarship named for as a gift from St. Paul AAUW 1989, Women as Agents of Change Award 1991). Billie was preceded in death by parents Mark and Ann Murray Nolan and her sister Marcia. She is survived by her loving husband Neil; children: Kathleen, Timothy (Charlotte), Nora, Colin (Sally Taylor), Patrick (Angela); Grandchildren: John (Johanna), Eileen, Declan; Great Grand Children: Vienna and Owen; sister, Sharon Booher (John), brother Mark Nolan (Jackie) and many nieces and nephews. Memorial Service on Thursday, July 26 at 11 a.m. with lunch to follow ST. PAUL COLLEGE CLUB, 990 Summit Avenue, St. Paul. Visitation 4-8 p.m. Wed July 25 at HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM-PURCELL FUNERAL HOME, 515 Hwy 96 W. at Mackubin, Shoreview. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the AAUW Scholarship Fund: aauwstpaul.org

Tributes

Billie Nolan Franey

September 17, 1930 - July 22, 2012

Tributes

Billie Nolan Franey

September 17, 1930 - July 22, 2012

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203