Mary L Franklin

MARY LUELLA (BOLAND) FRANKLIN Mary Luella (Boland) Franklin, 59, of Spokane, Washington, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. She was born March 1, 1958 at McKay Memorial Hospital in Soap Lake, Washington to Daniel and Judy Boland. Mary attended St. Rose of Lima School in Ephrata, Washington, graduating from Soap Lake High School in 1976. She was a hard worker, starting first at Don’s Restaurant in Soap Lake when she was 14. Mary attended Kinman’s Business School in Spokane and then spent five years working for the Borough of Fairbanks, Alaska. She moved to Spokane in 1982 and started working as the assistant for Spokane’s Mayor and City Council. From 1992-2003 she worked at a variety of places in Spokane – at Momentum as an assistant to President Sam Smith at WSU, and the Community Colleges of Spokane. Mary returned to the City of Spokane from 2003-2010, working as the Council Administrator. In March of 2010 she left for Fairbanks to work for the University, and stayed there for about three years. Mary always considered Soap Lake as her home, and was wanting to return to help the city with her experience working for the City of Spokane. She briefly stayed in Soap Lake while her health was deteriorating – battling COPD along with pneumonia. While hospitalized she succombed to carbon dioxide poisoning and hypoxia and was placed on a ventilator. She was transferred to Regency North in Spokane for recovery and remained there the past three-and-a-half years, dependent on the ventilator. She passed peacefully with family along her side. What kept her alive was her “strong heart” – she had a big heart for people, loved everyone and was always willing to help others in need. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and being with friends. Her greatest joy in life was her daughter, Alicia and was an amazing and dedicated mother to her. She is survived by her only daughter, Alicia (Franklin) Newman; grandson Colton; Steve Franklin; and her sister Georganne (Boland) Berg, along with nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Judy Boland. A celebration of Mary’s legacy will be held at Spokane City Hall, Chase Lounge, on Friday, Nov. 10, from 1-3 p.m. Memorial Service, Liturgy of the Word, will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov 11, 2017 at Nicoles Funeral Home, 157 C St. NW, Ephrata. Mary will be missed by many friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Soap Lake Food Bank, P.O. Box 925, Soap Lake, Wa 98851, in her name would greatly give her joy, knowing she is still helping others. Arrangements are under the care of Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata, Wash.

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Mary L Franklin

March 1, 1958 - October 21, 2017