Frances Roberta Abernathy

Frances Roberta Abernathy, fondly known as Fran, was born on January 25, 1936, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to Frank, Sr., and Margaret (Thorpe) Nichols. Raised in Minneapolis, Fran graduated from Vocational High School in 1953 and pursued training in merchandising. She showcased her creativity as a window dresser at J.W. Thomas department store in downtown Minneapolis. In 1955, Fran married George (Sonny) Abernathy, embarking on a remarkable 60-year journey together. They built a new home in Blaine, Minnesota, in 1962, where they lovingly raised seven daughters and three sons who were born between 1955 and 1971. Engaged in her community, Fran volunteered at the church and schools, embodying the spirit of a dedicated homemaker. Despite the bustling household, Fran found joy in friendships, participating in card club nights and a bowling league. She even returned to work part-time as a jewelry merchandiser for Powers Department stores and went on to shine in the role of hostess at Majestic Oaks Golf Club, in the early 1970s and in the late 1970s, respectively. Her great love for music and dance added rhythm to her life. Family vacations, travels, and later years spent in Florida with Dad brought her immense happiness. Fran passed away peacefully on November 28, 2023. In addition to her husband Sonny, she is preceded in death by parents, brother Frank Nichols, Jr., daughter Sabrina Otte, grandson Brian Alexander and great-grandson Jase Abernathy. She was beloved and is survived by her children and their families: Linda (Mike) Alexander, their son Matthew (Ashley) and grandchildren Keaton, Bauer, Rowan, Lily, and Everett, and grandson Eddie Alexander and his mother Maureen; Michael (Kaye) Abernathy, their son Nicholas (Toni) and grandchildren Victoria, Alan (Megan) Myles and James (Evelyn) ; Kathleen (John) Beck, their daughters Shannon (Josh) Ayres and Samantha (Dan) Schmoll and grandchildren Ashton Ayres, Stella and Sydney Schmoll; Jennifer (Frank) Stefonick and their daughters Rachel (Matthew) Felde and Sara Stefonick (Bobby Haas) and grandchildren Lauryn, Abby, and Mayson Felde; Roberta(Joe) Mitchell and children Alicia and Jared Mitchell; Meg(Dewey) Finseth and son Joshua Finseth and Rylie Hinrichs; Son-in-law Douglas Otte and daughters Caitlin and Jessica Otte, and granddaughter Serenity Otte; Shane (Lynn, daughter-in-law) and their children Alyssa, Trevor, and Madison Abernathy; George Abernathy, (Trish Mork, daughter-in-law); Denise (Don) Holloway and daughters Courtni (Andrew) Zuk and Brooke Holloway. Also left behind to mourn Fran are her extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins, and many friends.

Tributes

Frances Roberta Abernathy

January 25, 1936 - November 28, 2023

Tributes

Frances Roberta Abernathy

January 25, 1936 - November 28, 2023

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