Frances J. HaleFrances Jean Hale passed away in Fort Collins on December 19, 2016. Fran was born on August 4, 1941, in Mankato, Minnesota, but spent only a short time there before her family ultimately settled in Southern California, where she would spend most of her life. Fran was the oldest child of the late Stanley and Helen Carlson, and was followed by four younger siblings (Virginia, Mary, James, and Christina). From an early age, she was known for the joy she found in life and for the way she made even the smallest moments more fun and exciting for everyone around her. She was fearless and up for any adventure, including spending several years early in her marriage living in Indonesia with her husband, Bert Hale. Fran was the loving mother of one "perfect" child, Logan Hale, with whom she shared a bond forged by their mutual wit and humor. She was renowned for her creativity and artistic talent, and put her "Franny Magic" to good use creating memorable events ranging from fabulous large-scale charity galas to the special birthday parties that she helped plan for her treasured granddaughters, Chloe and Grace. She was a lifelong Catholic, deeply committed to the faith that sustained her throughout her illness. More than anything, Fran will be remembered for her irrepressible enthusiasm, her genuine interest in and love for others, and her ability to find the beauty in even the most mundane parts of life. In the words of her beloved niece Robin Pavel, "We were all so lucky to see the world through her eyes, because it opened our own eyes to so many things we may have otherwise missed." She was adored by all who knew her and made a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was a true "one of a kind" who will be deeply missed. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Logan and Noelle Hale; and her granddaughters, Chloe and Grace Hale, all of Fort Collins, as well as her four siblings, numerous nieces and nephews, several grandnieces and grandnephews, and countless friends. Services will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2017, at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 1220 University Avenue, Fort Collins. There will be a Rosary at 10:00am, followed by a funeral mass at 10:30am. Burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery. Flowers are welcome at St. John XXIII, or in lieu of flowers, donations to Bennett Elementary in her name will be gratefully accepted and will be directed toward a fund to help families in need within the school community. Donations can be collected at the service or can be sent to the school directly at 1125 Bennett Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80521. Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.