Santa Clara

Frances Abbott, known affectionately by her grandsons and those that loved her as Babe, was born in San Francisco in 1932. A 7th generation native of San Francisco, the family first arrived in Half Moon Bay under Spanish land grants. Her family was related to SF mayors Guerrero and Valencia, which had streets named after them. The family moved from the Mission to Redwood City just before WW II. Frances attended Mt.Carmel School in San Carlos and Sequoia High School in Redwood City, often spending summer vacations inSaratoga. Frances married Richard Abbott in 1956 at St. Pius Church in Redwood City. After raising her own child and seeing her off to college, she ignored some of her friends 'advice' and sent herselftocollege. First obtaining a BA in the humanities, aMasters inEarly Childhood Education and a teaching credential from San Jose State. Frances taught at Head Start for over 25 years. After Richard retired from AT&T in1985, they travelled the world.

They never missed spring training to root for the Giants and spent many wonderful years at their beach cottage in Morro Bay. Although a Spartan at heart, she was attracted to her daughter's alma mater and became a member of the Catala Club at Santa Clara University and attended many Golden Circle events.

Whether reading I SPY to her own grandsons, 'The Hungry Caterpillar' to a classofschool children, or the latest spy thriller to herself, Frances was an avid reader. She is survived by her daughter Allison Abbott Kline (Norman), grandsons John Kline (Viviana) & Will Kline, brother-in-law Richard Leal, nephews Donald Leal (Darla) & Michael Leal and many other great nieces and nephews.