Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to many, Mary Frances “Fran” Karnazes was universally revered and cherished. A public middle school teacher, world traveler, and founding member of St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church in Southern California, she was widely loved — being named St. Basil’s Mother of the Year in 2017 and still receiving cards and letters from former students' years after her 2006 retirement.

Her ancestral heritage traced back to the Greek longevity island of Ikaria. She walked for miles several times a week, and her mind remained sharp and curious. We thought she would live to one hundred, but the Lord decided it was time to welcome her into the kingdom of Heaven at the youthful age of eighty-five.

Her loving smile and warm disposition will be missed by all, but her spirit will live within those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She would be grateful if you simply offered a prayer and your remembrances. However, if you desire to offer more, please consider, in lieu of flowers, making a charitable donation to St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Rest in peace, beautiful soul. Your legacy will continue in those you have touched.