In Loving Memory of Frances L. Whelan

12/15/1960 – 05/11/2025

Frances L. Whelan passed away on Mother's Day, May 11, 2025, from complications of a massive stroke, at the age of 64.

Fran was born to Marjorie and Frank Whelan who instilled in Fran a love for the Trinity, the Catholic Church, family, and community.  Growing up in Bellefontaine Neighbors (St. Louis), Missouri, Fran attended Riverview Gardens School District, she was a faithful member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish.  Fran then went on to earn her bachelor's degree at the University of Missouri – Kansas City.  Thereafter, she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and attended the University of New Mexico to attend graduate school.  She lived out the rest of her life in Albuquerque, which she loved.

Fran is survived by three of her big brothers, Michael (Beth), Paul (Nancy), and Charles, and her little sister, Maggie (Duncan); nieces/great nieces and nephews/great nephews; her aunt, Ann, and first-cousin, Dori (Bob); second cousins, and very dear friends which are too many to list.

Fran loved to play golf with her father.  She was a good and proud cook.  She collected anything moose-themed!  She loved dining with Bryan Thomas at Applebee's.  She loved attending Mass at Shrine of the Little Flower, St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Parish and organizing and participating in many of the Parish's committees – especially the annual Fiesta where she cooked "Fran Burgers."

Fran was a devoted sister and friend who always placed service to others and family at the center of her life.  Anywhere Fran was in her lifetime, she left an indelible mark on those she friended.  She was fiercely loyal to each.

While attending UNM, Fran became involved with the Aquinas Newman Center serving other students in every way that she could.  For 13 years, she became a part of a Catholic women's study group.  She was always ready to participate, and give her opinion, with her usual sense of humor.

During the same time, Fran became active in supporting the Dominican nuns and their retreat house.  Again, she served the community in every capacity.  Fran attended every Mystics retreat from 1995 to 2011, attending and serving at each location.

In 2011, Fran served as Board President of the Spiritual Renewal Center.  When the Spiritual Renewal Center could no longer staff and maintain the Center, Fran stayed at the property and was instrumental in its sale to the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande.  She oversaw donating the proceeds of the sale to several worthy charities.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Neuro ICU at UNMH for their support and compassion after Fran's stroke, as well as Hospice of New Mexico, and for the great and merciful work of Miles Gloetzner and Inhora House (Inhora.org) employees and volunteers.  We would also like to thank all of Fran's besties who rallied by her side for over two weeks and for all the support you gave to Maggie.  We cannot thank you all enough.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Shrine of the Little Flower, St. Therese of the Infant Jesus, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Fran's ashes will be interred with her parents in St. Louis, Missouri, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Fran's name to:  (1) Inhora.org; and/or (2) Shrine of the Little Flower, St. Therese of the Infant Jesus.