Marcella French

Marcella Catherine "Sally" French (Forner)

November 22, 1928 – November 30, 2019.

Born November 22, 1928, to German-speaking parents in Dahlgren Township in Carver County Minnesota.  Sally was the second of three daughters born to Elnore (Englemann) and Alloys Forner.  Her older sister Hildegard and younger sister Mildred rounded out her family.  The family lived on the farm speaking mostly German at home.  The family switched to speaking primarily English at home when their children started school.   Sally helped her father with chores on the farm.  The family eventually moved off the farm to Hopkins, Minnesota when Alloys started working at Minneapolis Moline.

Sally married Richard French on July 2, 1955.  Together they would have eight children; five girls and three boys.  Sally and Richard welcomed their first child, Cindi in 1956.  Cathy, Robert, Daniel, Theresa, twins Jean and Joan, and Chris followed.

Sally sewed pajamas and clothes; along with knitting sweaters, hats, mittens, and scarfs for her children.  She managed a huge garden in the back yard; from raspberries, strawberries, and tomatoes, to cucumbers, carrots, etc.  She even canned her own jelly, tomato sauce, and pickles for many years.

Sally endured the passing of her husband and a child during her 91 years.  She lost her husband, Richard in 1995, and her oldest child, Cindi in 2008.  Her strong faith in God helped her through the difficult times.

Sally is survived by seven of her eight children; Cathy, Bob, Dan (Dorthy), Theresa, Jean, Joan, and Chris; eight grandchildren - Becky, Jerry (Stephanie), Ashley (Servontius), Derek (Sammi), Justin (Rebecca), Charity, Sarah and Hannah; nine great-grandchildren - Alice, Christopher, Ophelia, Karen, Patrick, Elijah, Marley, Brayden and Tanner; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial Saturday Dec 7th. 10 AM with visitation one hour prior at the Church of St. Williams, 6210 - 5th St. NE, Fridley. Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.  www.millerfuneralfridley.com