Cover photo for Frances Adele Venn Hahne's Obituary
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Frances

Frances Adele Venn Hahne

Was called to our lord on Thursday, December 20th, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. Frannie was born in Children’s Memorial Hospital in Lincoln Park, Illinois on January 14, 1920 to Theodore Henry Venn and Mary Evelyn Lichter Venn; Granddaughter of Dr. Charles and Louise Dinet Venn of Chicago, Illinois and Great Granddaughter of Dr. Theodore Venn of Germany.

Growing up in Wilmette, Illinois, Frannie loved music, art and theater. She performed numerous vocals for theater productions at Marywood School for Girls. Singing was her passion and she had a glorious voice. Throughout her childhood she frequently traveled across the country with her father, brother Charlie and sister Mary, on business trips. Her father invented the Venn-Severin Diesel Engine which was used for several purposes, especially in agriculture. It was during one of her trips to California, that as a young girl, she fell in love with the mystery and unique charm of Southwest, particularly Arizona.

As a graduate of the American Academy of Art, in Chicago, she continued to develop her exquisite talents in drawing, painting and design. She thrived in the Academy’s classical academic tradition and was frequently recognized for her ‘haute couture’ designs in numerous publications. Coco Chanel was her inspiration!

Her brother Charlie joined the Tenth Mtn. Division and bravely fought on Riva Ridge in Northern Italy. During this time, she volunteered at a local Catholic orphanage in Chicago. She developed her passion and love for children by caring and nurturing these abandoned babies. It was a gift she believed she could give back to God’s children.

While continuing to thrive in her artistic career she also enjoyed the bustle of downtown Chicago while working for James Thomas Aubrey, Sr., Advertising Executive for Aubrey, Moore and Wallace. Her outgoing personality, style and creativity were a perfect match for Mr. Aubrey.

It was on Venn Island on Lake Marie, in Antioch, Illinois that she met Lionel Ray Hahne (of Cedar City, Utah) and married shortly thereafter on a beautiful, clear, fresh snow-fallen December morning at St. Frances Xavier Catholic Church in Wilmette, Illinois.

With memories of the warmth and beauty of the Southwest desert and its magnificent sunsets, she and Lionel, moved our family to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1958. Frannie loved every one of the fifty-four years she lived in the Valley. Her passion was raising her children Michael Edward, Terry Ray, Susan Lee and Daniel Lionel. The unique splendor of the desert, especially Camelback Mountain, continued to inspire her artwork even further. Her proficient water color landscapes and oil paintings will grace our homes forever.

After her children were grown, she furthered her academics by attending college and receiving her Arizona Real Estate license. She loved traveling to Europe, especially Feldkirk, Austria, where her father attended school. Her love of reading influenced us all, especially in subjects on philosophy, psychology and art. She loved and had read every book on Jackie Kennedy and believed her to be “America’s Queen.”

She ensured that her children were well-rounded intellectually; encouraging studies in history, math, science, music and art. Knowing that there had to be a balance between “work and play” she introduced her children to sports (swimming, tennis, football, basketball, baseball and even horseback rising). She was proud that they excelled in all venues! Her love of animals began with her first dog “Dukie” and continued throughout her life with her boxer puppies Raffles and Daphne. She never said “no” to cats, fish, hamsters and even snakes! She encouraged that our home be the “hub” for all friends. Never a day or weekend went by where there was not a house full of friends and extended family from across the country. She thrived on the constant flurry of familial activity; it feed her heart and soul.

As a lifelong member of St. Theresa’s Parish, she became a Eucharistic Minister and served our Lord for over ten years. She believed it was an honor and a privilege to bring Jesus Christ into the home, heart and lives of others. Her commitment to the Catholic faith carried her throughout her life. She believed she always had a “Guardian Angel” looking over her shoulder. Frannie found the lives of the Saints inspirational and her love of Mother Cabrini and her missionary work inspirational. Her daily wonder and amazement in the beauty and mystery of life transformed everyone she met. The warmth of her handshake and her joyful sweet smile was captivating.

She also believed in Mark Twain’s famous saying, “Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing.” She loved to laugh, was always ready to reveal her latest joke and believe in humor’s cathartic ability.

As a devoted mother and wife she instilled in her children the love of family. Her famous quote was “Family always comes first.” She was selfless in providing for others, with a sense of compassion, empathy and love.

Mom, it is with sadness and sorrow that we let you go; but with joy and celebration that your spirit has been lifted to the Gates of Heaven, and you are finally placed safely in the arms of our glorious Lord and Savior. We love you and will miss you forever and for always but we will be looking for white roses and butterflies.

Your loving family; Mike Hahne (Debbie), Terry Hahne (Barbara), Susan Hahne McGroder (Patrick III), Daniel Hahne, (Josephine), Grandchildren; Tamara, Irina, and Olga; Sarah and Laura; Caroline, Patrick IV and Lizzy; Jim, Frannie, Catie, Clare, Nick, Chris, Richard, Greg and Zachary; and Great Grandchildren; Greyson, baby Jack, and baby Jada Michelle.

May God Bless You

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church on her behalf. The Hahne/McGroder families wish to extend our deepest gratitude to the selfless and loving caregivers at Hospice of the Valley, Eckstein Center.

Rosary will be held on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM, December 27, 2012, at Whitney and Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018.

Mass will be held Friday, December 28, 2012 at 10:00 AM, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 6261 North Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Frances Adele Venn Hahne, please visit our flower store.

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