Obituary of Cora Ann Franzel

Cora Ann Franzel, age 66 of Gagetown gained her Angel Wings on September 17, 2025.

LIVE WITH PURPOSE

Cora lived her life with love, faith, devotion, and purpose. Whenever faced with a challenge, she would “throw it over her shoulder” and find a way to positively work through it. Cora's positive spirit was an inspiration to her family, friends, and strangers. She made long-lasting impressions and connections with people everywhere she went.

LIFE DEFINED BY LOVE

Cora was born on October 12, 1958 in Detroit, MI, to Floyd and Charlotte Pardo. While in high school, Cora’s parents bought a farm in Minden City. This is where she met the Love of Her Life, Bill Franzel. Cora and Bill united in marriage on October 16, 1976. Cora and Bill’s Love Story is one of devotion and hard work, overcoming many obstacles while growing stronger together.

While raising four children, Cora worked, went to college, and helped in taking care of ailing parents and grandparents. She was a nurse’s aide at McKenzie Hospital in Sandusky, a factory worker at Yale Rubber in Sandusky, attended Delta College, and spent over twenty years in the dietary department at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe. Cora obtained a degree in Applied Science and Nutrition, which she utilized to bring loving, delightful, purposeful meals and desserts to the geriatric community she served.

While hard work outside of the home was no stranger to Cora, she loved spending time and creating memories with and for her family and friends.

THROUGH THE YEARS

Of all that Cora accomplished in her life, her family and friends were her greatest treasures. She loved bringing people together at her yearly Christmas gathering. She would prepare for months to present a host of food, special desserts, fun family games, surprises, love, and laughter. These gatherings were always extended to anyone who wanted to come share the blessing of the holiday.  Cora was known for her artistic abilities in drawing and poetry. She loved music and wrote some of her own songs as well. For the last several years, Cora had found yet another gifted ability. She created her own unique Christmas cards with special hand-drawn art and a message of love and inspiration.

MY MAMMA WORKED WAY TOO HARD FOR ME TO BE ORDINARY

Children left to cherish these lifelong blessings are Kenneth (Tammy) Franzel, Rebecca (Darren) Virgo, Deanna Franzel, and William C. Franzel.

Grandchildren Tyler (Abbe), Connor (Isabel), Katelyn, Braydon, Gavin, William, Ethan, Shelby, Devin, and Paige (Ashton).

Great-granddaughters Ava, Presley, Aubrey and Taylynn.

Bonus Daughter Sarah (Jeremy) Cameron with bonus grandchildren Alex, Jake, Emily and Elijah.

Siblings: Gary Pardo, Paul (Marilyn) Pardo, Pat (Jasmine) Pardo, Charel Pardo, Lea (Dave) Tune, Marc (Merrie) Pardo, and sisters-in-law Helen Pardo and Velma Partaka.

Special Friends: Annette, Lori, Wendy, and Vicki.

Cora will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many cherished friends whom she held dear to her heart.

PUTTING ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER MEANS SO MUCH MORE NOW BECAUSE WHEN TIMES WERE TOUGH, CORA WOULD PUT HER ONLY FOOT TOWARD YOU

A WELCOME HOME

Cora was met at the gates of Heaven by her husband Bill, parents Floyd and Charlotte Pardo, brother James Pardo, sisters-in-law Debbie Franzel and Kathy Pardo, brother-in-law Bill Partaka, nephew Steve Pardo, and God-daughter Lindsay Walleman.

We welcome you to come and celebrate Cora.  A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Agatha Church in Gagetown, MI on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Agatha Church in Gagetown, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or simply by sharing a smile and/or word of inspiration with those who cross your path.

“Not All Of Us Can Do Great Things But We All Can Do Small Things With Great Love”

Mother Theresa   To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.