Frances Katz

Frances Katherine Katz, 94, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, died Tuesday, November 18, 2014, after a long illness. She is survived by her son, Dr. Michael Katz and his wife, Dr. Marsha Bol of Santa Fe, NM; daughter-in-law, Sali Katz of Tucson, AZ; grandson, Mason Katz and his wife, Kayo Arima Katz of San Diego, CA; grandson, Aaron Katz of Tucson; sister, Leatrice Segal of Philadelphia, PA; loving cousins, nieces and nephews; many dear friends; and Verda Lucero, Corinne Sanchez, Claire McNally, Sandra Sanchez, and Debbie Varela, who cared for her lovingly in the last years of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Bessie Segal; her husband of 67 years and partner in all things, David Katz; and her beloved elder son, Dr. Murray Katz. Born in Wilmington, DE in 1919, Frances moved from Philadelphia, PA to Albuquerque in 1938 at age 18. She was a longtime member of Congregation B’Nai Israel, where she was treasurer of the Sisterhood for seven years, and in 2010—as an “elder” of the congregation—was called upon to share her memories of the growth and development of the synagogue over seven decades, and those she had loved and lost, at the 94th Anniversary of B’Nai Israel. She and her husband were the founding owners of the Gizmo Store in Albuquerque, where she was bookkeeper and oversaw the store’s aesthetics including where (and how) to hang what must have been the largest pair of Levi jeans ever displayed. But her greatest joy and calling was her family, to whom she was unfailingly devoted. Upon retirement Frances and David became world travelers, and they shared many trips with their family. In late life, even encumbered by the limitations of severe frailty, she maintained grace and generosity of spirit; within two weeks of her death, she hosted a visit from her son Michael’s boyhood friends with—as commented later—the “spark of life” of the parental role model she had always been. She will remain forever in the hearts and memories of her family and friends. Graveside services will be held Friday, November 21, 2014, 11:00 a.m., at Fairview Memorial Park, 700 Yale Blvd SE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Congregation B’Nai Israel, 4401 Indian School Rd. NE, Albuquerque, 87110 or the charity of your choice.