Frances N. Raynor (Michalski)

Frances N. Raynor (Michalski), 89, died peacefully at home, with her favorite child by her side, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 17, 2023. She was born in Kansas City, KS., on October 31, 1933 to Blase P. and Helen M. (Kuklenski) Michalski. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 25 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m., with the Funeral Mass immediately following.

Mom graduated from Ward High School in 1951 and then graduated from St. Margaret’s Nursing School. Her nursing school buddies and nursing co-workers remained lifelong friends. She married William J. Raynor on June 1, 1957 and their marriage lasted 60 years until Bill’s death in 2017. From their union, four children were born: Billy, Mary, Kelly and Tim.

Fran was involved in several bridge groups and enjoyed the friendships she made along the way. She also adored her swim ladies at the “J” and continued her water aerobics until 2022. Her “J” girls remained committed to her until the very end. Mom was very proud of her Polish heritage and spent countless hours cooking and baking all of her Polish favorites. She was also a very devout Catholic who attended Mass on a daily basis until health prevented her from doing so. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her large family and friends. She loved telling people how many grandkids and great grandkids she had.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, her sister Rose Marie Super (Rosebud), her grandson Nicholas Raynor and her two sons-in-law, Joseph S. Geisel IV, and Dr. Dennis G. Cowan. Fran is survived by her children Billy Raynor (Judith); Mary Cowan (Partner Phil Hodes); Kelly Fornelli (Mike) and Tim Raynor (Cooper). She is also survived by grandkids: Luke Raynor (Amber), Joey Geisel (Gretchen), Jessica Heaney (Sam), Andrew Raynor (Natalie), Meg Cowan, Samanatha Cowan Hendrix (Will), Max Raynor, Riley Raynor, Abby Raynor and Zachary Fornelli. She is also survived by great grandkids: Noah, Finn and Whit Raynor; Felix, Ari, Laz and Silas Raynor; Bo, Jobie Fran and Jeter Heaney and Sev, William and Greer Geisel and George Hendrix.

Our hearts are broken but we rejoice that she has been reunited with our dad and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Heaven gained a very special angel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Good Shepherd Hospice, 1317 S. Fountain Drive, Olathe, KS. 66061 or Cure of Ars Catholic Church.

The family would like to thank the following: Mary Cummings, Harriet, Aster, Desta, Saba, Liyou, Lilly and Delina. We are forever grateful for the love, care and support you gave mom and our family over the last several months.