Patricia B. Franz; Aided Disabled Children

Patricia B. Franz, a longtime Oxnard resident who championed development of educational facilities for orthopedically handicapped children in Ventura County, died Monday in a local hospital following a sudden illness. She was 69.

Franz was born Nov. 21, 1927, in South Bend, Ind. She graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee in 1949 and was married in 1951.

An Oxnard resident since 1957, Franz was instrumental in bringing Douglas Penfield School, operated by the Ventura County superintendent of schools, to Ventura.

Franz’s dedication to children extended to those not yet born: For 20 years, she volunteered with the Life Centers of Ventura County, a nonprofit organization that assists women and children.

Margaret Cody, the group’s executive director, said all those involved in the organization will miss Franz’s dedication and hard work.

“We all relied on her,” Cody said. “No matter what position she held, she was always there for us. Through the years, she’s held many offices. She was major factor in our fund-raising.”

At the time of her death, Franz was chairwoman of the International Life Services Council. And recently she had volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society in a food pantry operation.

Franz is survived by her husband, Dr. Gregory Franz, son Tom Franz, daughters Diane Lombardi and Mary Ursitti, sister Rosemary Allman, brothers Hugh and Jerry Baldus and three grandchildren.

A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. today at Santa Clara Catholic Church, Oxnard. A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday, also at Santa Clara Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery, Oxnard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Life Centers of Ventura County, 410 North A St., Oxnard 93030.

Arrangements are under the direction of James A. Reardon Mortuary, Oxnard.