Frances Mary Ratigan
November 17, 1937 - April 8, 2020
Aunt Frankie passed away in the presence of her family at home on April 8th, 2020 at the age of 82.
She was born in Brooklyn, NY on November 17th, 1937, the twelfth of thirteen children of Myra and Edward Ratigan. Fran was the last of that legacy, the last of our roots, the last of what made us the family we are.
Frances lived in NYC for 45 years, until she moved to Salt Lake with her family and her work family. She worked for American Express for 43 years and 8 months, a fact that she was proud of.
Frances had a heart of gold, and her spirit animal was Christmas. She was the matriarch of our family Christmas Eve dinner. She had a close relationship with her two sisters Sophia and Patricia. Even though she had no children of her own, she treated Sophia’s children like hers and helped raise them – she taught them how to have fun. Even though she loved Christmas, she lived for summer; you could always find her in the pool, and she taught all the kids how to swim. She could light up a room with her laughter and it wasn’t a good time until she arrived.
Aunt Frankie loved her crafts, and always wore the most beautiful jewelry. She was the baby whisperer, and babies everywhere loved her. She made each “grandchild” (and “great-grandchild”) feel that they were her favorite. Each one was the favorite. Aunt Frankie loved cats, and doing puzzles (but don’t you dare touch hers!). She also was Elvis Presley’s biggest fan, hands down.
She is survived by her nieces and their families; Jacqueline Klapak and her daughter Michelle Lynn Thompson; Valerie (Tom) Casey and their children Carrieann Peterson, Jillian (Todd) Cowley, Kathleen (Michael) Lowther, Timothy (Andrea) McQueeney, Raven (John) Jones and Siobhan Casey; Jeanine (Felix Manuel) Cabrera and children JoAnna Marie (Joey) Cabrera-Sollazzo, Felix Patrick and Francis Damaso; Colette Klapak DeSimone and her children Eddie, Nicole, Justin, Jordan, Chase, Alex; and many great-great-“grandchildren” – Nick, Colton, Braden, Ryann, Tessa, Trinity, Bryce, Aiden, James, Owen, Sophia, Liam, Grayson, and Evelyn. She is also survived by her loving cat Kiara.
Preceded in death by her parents, eight sisters and four brothers.
Frances will be laid to rest with her family at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery during a private graveside service. The rosary and committal service will be recorded and posted on Frances’ obituary page at www.starksfuneral.com. When circumstances permit, a public mass and celebration of life will be held. When scheduled, these service times will be posted please check back soon.
In Loving Memory
Valerie and Family, My heart breaks for all of you with the passing of your Aunt Frankie. She sounded like she was a “hoot” and groomed multiple generations. Thinking of you, Tammie
Tammie Payette
Merrimack, NH
My heart goes out to all of her loved ones. I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of this family for almost 20 years. I didn’t marry one of Aunt Frankies beautiful nieces but made life lasting friendships with several of them. Because of my friendship with these amazing gals I was excepted with open arms and attended several parties and family gatherings I got to know Frankie, she was always sweet to me and treated me like family. She had a great sense of humor and laughed at a lot of my dumb jokes. You could tell family was the most important thing to her and I know she missed Mor Mor and had a hole in her heart since her passing. Well it’s a happy thought to know they are reunited in heaven watching over the family. I love you guys and am so sorry we couldn’t be “next to you” during this time.
Johnny Riche
South Jordan, Ut
I cannot remember a time in my life that Aunt Frankie, Mor-Mor, Aunt Patty, Aunt Jackie, Michelle, the Caseys and the McQueeney kids were not a part of my life. They have always been a fixture- whether it was when I was a little monster swimming in the backyard every summer growing up, or living across the street from one of the greatest families and forming lasting bonds with the sisters I never got to have for most of my adolescence, to my son having the opportunity to get to know Mor-Mor and Aunt Frankie when he was just a little one, just like me; to growing up and having the incredible opportunity to move back and have this beautiful family so close again, they’ve always just been there. Since we moved back in 2013- we have received love, friendly waves, hollers from across the street, looking out for one another during trying or scary times, beautiful handmade gifts that I will cherish for the rest of my existence, to Aunt Frankies sauce and a bag of pasta brought over just to randomly feed us- just because. Because when you become a part of a family this beautiful you aren’t just a friend, or acquaintance- you become a part of the family. And that is exactly the way I remember all of them. Especially the incredible matriarchs of the family. It was always a beautiful chaos when I got to go play or hang out at the house growing up, because I loved this incredible, large family unit- the unconditional love, the conversations that were had, the feeling of a huge family that I never got to experience as a child so it felt like home to me, and I will remember this more than anything else. Thank you all for just being you. I will forever cherish and love you Aunt Frankie- Rest in paradise
Corinne Parry
Murray, Ut
Jacqueline, My prayers are with you and your family at this trying time. Aunt Frankie will always have a very fond place in my memory. Her laughter was contagious and she always made me feel welcome. RIP dear lady!
Connie McPhee
Riverton, UT
I worked with Frances for many years at American Express and knew her to be a very kind, loving and giving person. May her spirit and soul rest in peace Love Dorothy Anderson.
Doorthy Anderson
Murray, UT
Had many a great laugh with Frances at American Express. She was a beautiful person, easy to work with and always welcoming. My thoughts and prayers go out to all her family members at this difficult time. John McHugh
John McHugh
Sandy, UT