Frances Marie Cullen Howson, 100, was born in Gilroy on February 19, 1913 to her Irish parents William and Agnes Doyle Cullen. William, an Irish immigrant, came to California in 1868 crossing Panama by land to reach the Pacific Ocean. William's family came to Gilroy to assist his aunt Catherine Dunne with her ranches. Agnes' Doyle family came to California from Quebec in 1904. Frances lived her whole life in Gilroy and passed away peacefully in her Fifth Street home on November 18, 2013.

Frances started attending St. Mary School at the age of 4 with her brother Lawrence. She graduated from Gilroy High School and attended San Jose State. Frances has been Gilroy's "Gram" for over 55 years, opening her heart and her home to many people. Frances' favorite past times were sitting at the beach, dancing, singing, and celebrating family events.


Gram has a strong Catholic identity, and was an active member at St. Mary's parish and supported missionary efforts around the world. She taught CCD to children preparing for First Communion for over 30 years and supported St. Mary School with her time and money. Through her actions, Frances taught us that a faith-filled life, strong family ties, an open heart, and active community service are essential for a happy life.

Frances is blessed to be survived by four generations, many still living in Gilroy. She is survived by her three children, Roberta Hughan, Marcia Keahey Bodnar, and Ronald Howson, and foster son Chuck Martin. Frances is also survived by nine grandchildren, Kellie Keahey, Kittie Keahey, Monica (Rich) Pirozzoli, Matt (Letty) Keahey, Mollie (Gary) Botill, Wade (Jane) Hughan, Gwyneth (Ed) Sauceda, Robert (Debbie) Hughan, and Regina Howson. She is survived by 19 great grandchildren Janet (Jason) Krulee, Jack (Briana) Headley, Tucker (Krista) Vasquez, Tim (Cara) Pirozzoli, Michelle (Brad) Pirozzoli, Monique Pirozzoli, Dominic Pirozzoli, Jonathan Keahey, Joseph Keahey, Kenny Keahey, Jeremy Botill, Justin Botill, John (Corey) Hughan, Iona Hughan, Margot Hughan, Amy Sauceda, Sara Sauceda, David King and Sean King. And her 13 great-great grandchildren are Caitlyn Krulee, Kevin Krulee, Jackson Headley, Kilynn Vasquez, Isabella Pirozzoli, Sophia Pirozzoli, Kaylee Kyle, Maya Mariscal, Mary Jane Mariscal, Giovanni Keahey, Julianni Keahey, Taylor King, and Joshua King. She is also survived by nieces Carol Cullen Pierson and Lynn Howson Wagner, and nephew David Cullen. Frances is predeceased by her loving husband of 45 years and father of her children, Bob Howson (1976). She is also predeceased by her parents, granddaughter Michelle Keahey (1959), her three brothers Lawrence Cullen (1981), Reverend Leo Cullen, S.J. (1995), and Brother Franklin Cullen, C.S.C. (2006), and second husband Frank Vigna (2009).

Frances' life will be celebrated during Mass at St. Mary Church at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 22, 2013.

The family requests donations be made to Catholic Relief Services.