Francine M. Corcoran

Francine “Fran” M. Corcoran, age 74, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024.

Francine Mary was born on December 15, 1949, the second oldest of eight children, to Gerald and Mary (Patzner) Corcoran in Arcadia, Wisconsin. She attended St. Peter Catholic School in Hokah, Minnesota and graduated from La Crescent High School in 1967.

She attended Winona State University and graduated in the spring of 1971 with majors in both Speech and Theatre Arts and a minor in Philosophy.

Fran made many lifelong friends while working at the Hennepin County Welfare in Minneapolis. She then worked for the Federal Reserve Bank, where it is believed she found her interest in the financial side of things. Fran then found her place at St. Catherine’s University as a developmental researcher. As an extremely social person, Fran excelled in this position and after many years of dedicated service, she retired in 2015.

She was very active in many organizations and was always willing to step up. A few of these organizations included the Minnesota Arboretum, Minnesota Geological Society and the Theatre in the Round. From 1973-2020, Fran was involved in 53 productions at the theatre. She served on the board for many years and was awarded the President’s Award for 47 years of service.

Hosting parties was another thing Fran was known for. Over the years, she hosted 80+ parties in her home. Her handmade, humorous invitations were sent to family, friends, coworkers and anyone on her email list! She always served her black bean lasagna and guests would contribute to the party, pot-luck style. Her summer party was held in the backyard, but otherwise, everyone would feel right at home in Fran’s house.

She had several hobbies including, birding, photography (before it went digital), watercolor, collecting art (which could be seen throughout her home), gardening and tent camping – which she had down to a science. Fran wasn’t one to sit still. She walked all the streets of Minneapolis and visited all of the Minnesota State Parks – twice! Her favorite being the Itasca State Park.

Fran enjoyed traveling. A few of the places she was fortunate enough to visit with family were Hawaii, Korea, Ireland, Maine and Western Colorado.

Fran is survived by her siblings, Pat Halverson, Gregory Corcoran, Bernard (Debbie) Corcoran, Theresa Corcoran, Christopher (Linda) Corcoran, Mary Jane (Jeff) Scherbring, Lisa (Paul) Robertson; and by many nieces, nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews.

Per Fran’s wishes and to follow in her party-hosting footsteps, her life will be celebrated and remembered at a party this summer in Minneapolis.

The family of Fran would like to thank the staff and management at the Tabitha and Pauline Memory Care and all the staff at Grace Hospice for their dedication and care.

Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings is handling arrangements.