Loree M. Franz

Loree M. (Sweeny) Franz, age 85, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the Milford Regional Medical Center in Milford, Massachusetts.  Born in Queens, New York City on April 1, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Carol (Anslow) Sweeny.  Loree spent her early years in the Saint Albans neighborhood of Queens before her family settled in East Meadow, New York, where she graduated from East Meadow High School with the Class of 1956.  Following her graduation, Loree enrolled in courses at Long Island University's Mitchel College and began her working career, taking a position with Reeves Instrument, serving as an administrative assistant.

While studying at Mitchel College, Loree met her husband to be, Albert James Franz, while he was completing his courses.  During their courtship, Loree left her education, focusing on her career, and was named proposal coordinator with Reeves Instrument.  Loree and Al were married on August 28, 1965, in her hometown of East Meadow, and made their first home together in Mineola, New York.  The young couple welcomed their first child in 1966 and then moved to Piscataway, New Jersey in 1967 to grow their family. Loree took a break from working outside the home to focus on being a homemaker and mother, which she adored. She was a creative cook, making meals that would encourage her children to become adventurous eaters at a young age.

The family moved once more in 1974, making their home in Byram Township, New Jersey.  After settling into her new house, Loree returned to her career, taking a position with Diana Chart in Rockaway, where she learned to fulfill many roles in a small business setting.  With the children a little older, Loree and her family enjoyed traveling on vacations, taking road trips to exciting destinations like Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton National Park. Back home, dinner at the Franz’s house became a special treat for their children’s friends and visitors as Loree’s cooking was highly prized. She welcomed everyone, often saying “the more the merrier!”. Her specialties were her chili and spaghetti sauce, and she had mastered many an Italian dish.

In 1988, following a job transfer, Loree and Al traveled up the east coast to make their home in Massachusetts.  They found the perfect home in the Plimptonville neighborhood of Walpole, quickly falling in love with the charm of an older house.  Loree initially found work with Nynex in their Dedham, Massachusetts office before finding a job with Prentice Hall Publishing.  In addition to working full-time, Loree returned to her education, first earning her bachelor's degree from Emmanuel College, and later taking courses at Simmons College to earn her master's degree with a focus in marketing.  Her career continued until her retirement in 2001, making countless friends throughout her years at Prentice Hall.  After a long day, Loree enjoyed relaxing with her dogs, Hoover, and later, J. Edgar, in front of her fireplace, soaking up the heat coming from the hearth.

Loree found community while living in Walpole. She immersed herself in her Catholic faith by volunteering and singing with the choir at Blessed Sacrament Church. She enjoyed aerobic dance through a local community program, and yoga at the Walpole Senior Center. Loree also made many friends by participating in a creative writing group at Walpole Public Library and a local women’s group based in Norwood. Loree's circle extended well beyond the borders of Walpole, and she always looked forward to gathering with her closest friends over the years.

More recently, in 2018, Loree and Al enjoyed spending their winter months in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  However, they always returned to New England to take in the changing of the seasons from their home in Thompson, Connecticut. Loree also took great joy in writing her blog https://octogenagypsy.com/.

Beloved wife of Albert James Franz.

Loving mother of Albert Franz, II and his wife, Kimberly, of Stokesdale, North Carolina, Jennifer "Jenna" Franz of Atascadero, California, and Daryn James Franz of Norwood.

Cherished grandmother of Thomas Albert Franz and Andrew James Franz.

Sister of Dennis Sweeny of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and the late Joannie Wyatt.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Loree's visitation on Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

All are invited to gather in the funeral home on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 9:30, prior to Loree's Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole at 10:30 AM.  Interment will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Loree's name may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL  60611 or at https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/.