DeFrance, Eunice

EUNICE DEFRANCE

Iowa City

Eunice "Sam" DeFrance, 91, of Iowa City, died Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at the Mercy Hospice Unit of Mercy Iowa City. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Iowa City, with Father Steve Witt officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lensing Funeral Home, 605 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City, where a rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. and a Vigil service will begin at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Camp Courageous or the Regina Foundation.

Eunice Marie Burger was born Sept. 15, 1922, in Iowa City to Ed and Marie Burger. She attended St. Mary's School, graduating in 1940. She was united in marriage to Jerry DeFrance on June 12, 1946, and they were blessed with six children. She was given the nickname Sam by her husband and all of her grandkids knew her as "Grandma Sam."

Sam and Jerry lived in Iowa City all of their married life except for a 10-year stint on a farm on Sand Road south of Iowa City near Hills. Sam worked at Iowa State Bank downtown for many years and later was employed by the Johnson County Recorders Office, where she retired in 1990. She was a member of St. Mary's Church.

Sam was an Iowa Hawkeye football fan for all of her life, attending some of the games while she was in high school. She held season tickets with her sister, Jean, for over 40 years and celebrated her 90th birthday at Kinnick Stadium in 2012, cheering on her beloved Hawkeyes. Sam was featured in 2010 as KCRG's Ultimate Iowa Hawkeye fan. Many friends and relatives remember her homecoming parade parties which she hosted beginning in the 1960s with lots of good food, fun and black and gold decorations. She always played the Iowa Fight song on the piano and everyone gathered around to sing along.

Sam always had a book, crossword puzzle, cryptogram or a deck of cards in her hand ready to play Solitaire. She loved having company come over, especially the grandkids and great-grandkids, and always had a piece of licorice, cookie or candy bar to give them. She was the ultimate hostess, always taking care of someone, especially Jerry.

Her one passion over the last several years was having fun at the casino. She, her sisters, Ruth and Jean, and some special friends would go every Tuesday and enjoy lunch with some fun times at the slot machines. She was on a first name basis with all of the waiters at the buffet.

Sam was a very special, unselfish person who never complained and was always grateful to have her family around her. She had a very unique talent in that she could play the piano by ear. If she heard any song once she was usually able to play it like she wrote it. One of our best memories is her playing the piano and her sisters singing along with her. Many times Jerry would request a specific song and she was happy to oblige.

Sam was a supporter of Catholic education and many charities, especially anything to help children. Two of her favorites were Regina and Camp Courageous.

Our family would like to thank some special caregivers who helped Sam through her last weeks: Michelle, Kaleigh, Bruce and Tonya from Iowa City Hospice and all the staff at Mercy Hospice, especially Natalie, Julie, Kelsay, Beth, Suzanne, Meghann, Dawn and Mindi. A special thanks to Sara Kron who provided Sam with loving home care. You people are truly angels sent from Heaven.

Sam is survived by her husband of 67 years, Jerry; six children; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grand-children; one sister, Ruth Woodhouse; and several nieces and nephews.

Her children are Jackie (Dennis) Larwa, Iowa City, Marilyn (Marc) Brown, Solon, Jane (Paul) Brown, North Liberty, Jeff "Hank" (Marcy) DeFrance, Iowa City, Mark DeFrance, Hoover, Ala., and John DeFrance, Iowa City.

Her grandchildren are Mark Kallaus, Independence, Tim and Scott (Sandi) Kallaus, Iowa City, Paul Hunstad, Stephanie Sprague, Rockland, Maine, Stacy (Rob) Sueppel, Matt (Katy) Brown, Iowa City, and Tony Brown, Scottsdale Ariz., Linsdey DeFrance, Waukee, Keri DeFrance, West Des Moines, Alex DeFrance, Iowa City, Jason (Andrea) Duwa, Riverside, and Stacy Duwa, Wayland; Jennifer (Robert) Hayes, Christy, Emily and Susan DeFrance, all of Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved granddaughter, Amy Hunstad; her sister. Jean O'Neill; her aunt, Auntie Sister; and brothers-in-law, John O'Neill, Don Woodhouse and Dick DeFrance.

Online condolences may be left for the family at

www.lensingfuneral.com.