Francis Sharon Rose Lappin Butschli
January 4, 1944 – January 22, 2024
Francis, Fran, Frannie, Mom, Auntie Big Bucks, Frannie Goonie, Yes Dear…
Some things require a bit more time than is usual because the ability to condense into a limited number of words, the life of a woman who was so treasured, is no small feat.
On January 22, 2024 after years of fighting various health issues, Francis Sharon Rose Lappin Butschli passed away at her home in Birch Bay, WA. If there was any way that her departure could have been delayed, without a doubt, Fran would have kept fighting for many years to come. Even though her physical presence is no more, the obvious signs of her life live on in the kindness of her daughter Cristi, the independence of her son Patrick and the humor of her son Michael. Her example of commitment and love can still be seen sparkling in the eyes of her one love, husband Michael Butschli.
Fran was born in Vancouver, BC on January 4, 1944 to parents Samuel and Violet Lappin. Fran grew up in Port Coquitlam, BC with her brothers Barry, Sam and Danny. Fran graduated from Port Coquitlam High School and went to work for Empire Shipping in Vancouver.
When Fran was 21 years old, her friend Audrey orchestrated a gathering that would set the course for the rest of Fran’s life. Audrey told her beau, Jim Minor, to bring three friends to meet her girlfriends at the local coffee shop in Blaine! Audrey’s efforts found two of her friends meeting the men they would go on to marry. Fran met a handsome Air Force serviceman, Michael F. Butschli, and by the next year they were married on January 15,1966.
Fran and Mike lived in many different places starting out in Vancouver, until their son Michael was born in July 1967. The family then moved to Ferndale, WA until Mike Sr. was transferred to Biloxi, MS. Here, they welcomed their second son, Patrick in March of 1969. A change in careers had the family move to Gulfport, MS until Hurricane Camille destroyed their home. These were very difficult times and Fran needed to move to Milwaukee to stay with her husband’s parents while Mike Sr. sorted through the disaster left by the hurricane. She remained in Milwaukee until Mike’s work with the Bell Telephone Co. brought the family back to Washington State. In October of 1972, Fran gave birth to her beautiful daughter, Cristi-Lee.
While raising her children, Fran operated her own cleaning business with her friend Karen until she began working for the Federal Way School District. Her career started in the copy room until the end of her 20 years with the school district, as the coordinator of the career center for the high school. Fran retired in 1998 but then worked a while longer in the Ferndale School District after she moved to her home in Birch Bay.
Fran was absolutely dedicated to her children and their spouses, Michael Butschli (Julie), Patrick Butschli (Jessica) and Cristi Martin (Chase). Where she truly shined though, was as a grandma. Fran was very involved with her grandchildren and loved spending as much time as possible with them. Time together meant baking, playing at the beach or teaching them to sew. Holidays were very important to Fran and each Christmas her tree would be surrounded with piles of Christmas gifts she had been buying since January. Fran’s heart was big enough to not only love her eight grandchildren, but also included special “grandchildren of the heart” that we are blessed to count as family.
Nothing in this world was more important to Fran than time with her family. She loved her brothers and their families as deeply as her own children. Her nephews and their families were a significant part of her life and brought her immeasurable joy.
Fran was filled with love, humor and a genuine interest in the people she met. At times her interest would have her asking questions that most would shy away from, but this was exactly what made her endearing - once the shock wore off! She leaves behind some incredibly dear friends who she felt so blessed to have in her life.
Fran’s life will be celebrated on July 27, 2024 at her son Michael’s home in Blaine. A year ago, almost to the day, the family all came together to do an early celebration of Fran’s upcoming 80th birthday. The day was filled with everything, and almost everyone, that Fran cherished. This year we all plan to celebrate what we will forever cherish, the encompassing love and joyfulness of a great woman.
