Catherine Francis

Catherine Anne (Schab) Francis, age 79, passed away August 9, 2020 in her home in Puyallup, WA. She was born February 25, 1941 in Walla Walla, WA to Clarence and Elva Schab. She was the middle sister to her two brothers, Michael and Jerry (Gerald) Schab, who both meant the world to her. She had two children, Steven and Alyson, with her first husband William Briggs.

Catherine spent 33 years in Walla Walla before relocating to Phoenix, AZ where she married Gerald Francis, in December 1974. She returned to WA to be closer to her family in 2000 after Gerald passed away.

Cathy’s greatest love was her family. She was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and was very excited to become “Grandma” to her three grandchildren. She loved her grandchildren and embraced every moment with them. She was especially proud to become a great grandma.

Cathy enjoyed holidays and family get-togethers; any chance to spend time with family was cherished by her. She also shared her love through cooking - such as her famous spaghetti dinners, her delicious deviled eggs, coleslaw and homemade pumpkin pie - recipes that will be passed on from generation to generation.

She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh. She was known for her feisty, yet good sense of humor. She was also a big Raiders fan and could rattle off more NFL history than many.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Elva Schab, brothers Gerald and Michael Schab, son Steven Briggs, niece Marci Schab and beloved husband Gerald Francis. She is survived by her daughter Alyson (Briggs) Rankin, grandchildren Andrew, Sarah, and Victoria, and great granddaughters Aeyva and Josie.

She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

The family is requesting that on lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.