Frances Bulanti died peacefully on June 8, 2021 at the age of 95. Fran was born in San Francisco on December 24, 1925 to Ana and Ivan Eterovich, both Croatian immigrants. She was raised in SF along with brothers and sisters Winnie, John, Kay, and Adam. Fran was smart, a good student. At Balboa High School she ran for class president and won with the slogan, "Good things come in small packages".
After World War II, Fran was working at Graybar Electric Company where she met Charlie Bulanti. To hear Charlie tell it, he wasn't really avid about answering the Help Wanted sign until he saw Fran sitting at her desk. He reported for work the next day. Soon, a romance developed. She found him kind and he made her laugh. Fran's mother was skeptical but when Charlie fixed her vacuum cleaner he became a worthy suitor.
They married in 1948 and in 1951 move to Redwood City where they raised their 3 children- Lori, Gary, and Michael. Fran did everything for her children. She was always involved and interested in their pursuits, social lives, and emotional well-being; cooking exceptional meals, emphasizing the need to eat well to maintain good health, staying engaged with friends and family and discussing the importance of maintaining relationships. More than once she would admonish, "if you don't have something nice to say don't say anything at all".
When her children were young, Fran was active in the St. Pius Women's Club and the Children's Theater. Fond memories abound when thinking of summers at Marla Bay and large holiday dinners (40 people was not unusual). Fran was a good and enthusiastic bridge player, a superb cook, possessed an understated wisdom, a great sense of humor, always gracious, knew how to keep a confidence, had an impeccable eye for fashion, making it appear effortless. She and Charlie enjoyed a wonderful life, almost 70 years of marriage, extensive travel all over the world, and constant interaction with their treasured loved ones and friends. Speaking of friends, you know who you are and you know that Fran held you close to her heart.
She was loved by all she touched with her genuinely kind and empathetic manner. Mom, we were so lucky!
A special thank you to our brother, Michael Bulanti, who stepped up to be mom's constant live-in companion (especially after Charlie's death in 2017), providing her with savory food, good company, and endless humor. Mom always loved to laugh and Michael saw that she did so until the very end.
Fran is survived by her daughter Lori Lovelace (Phil); sons Gary Bulanti (Diana) and Michael Bulanti; her grandchildren: Maria Helms (Eric VanRoten), Eric Helms, Elizabeth Bulanti (Adam Queen), Michael Bulanti, Tareh Bulanti (Jesson Ringheimer), Gary Bulanti (Christine Yoshimoto), as well as great grandchildren: Lilliana Bulanti, Bianco Bulanti, Jesson Ringheimer Jr., Frances Ringheimer, Audrey VanRoten, Luke VanRoten, Ella VanRoten, step grandchildren Audra Schmierer (Michael) and Adam Lovelace-Spirit (Jehfree) and step great-grand child David Schmierer. Her brothers-in law Bill Bulanti (Debbie), Greg Bulanti (Dee), sister-in law Danica Eterovich and all of her beloved nieces and nephews. She loved us all.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life to be held on Wednesday, July 28 at 11am at Domenico Winery, 1697 Industrial Rd in San Carlos.
A donation to your favorite charity in Fran's memory is suggested in lieu of flowers.