Inez “Chic” Franzen, 87, died Nov. 30, 2010, at Whidbey General Hospital after a brief illness. She was born Sept, 24, 1923, in Paradise, Ariz., to John Henry and Lizzy Bell Sanders-Clark, ninth of 11 children. She was nine years old when her father passed away, leaving her to help care for her siblings.

On July 11, 1942, Chic married Daryl Franzen of Coupeville and together they raised three children, Sharon, Alana and Derek. Chic was first and foremost a “Homemaker.” Her family was her top priority.

Chic and Daryl owned and operated Central Electric of Coupeville, Inc. for 21 years in partnership with Larry and Vivian Barrett. In 1983 they retired and sold the business to their son, Derek. Because Chic was born and raised in the southwest desert country, she and Daryl enjoyed spending time each winter in Arizona as “Snow Birds” after their retirement.

An avid gardener, Chic was well known for her abundant vegetable garden and the beautiful flowers that she grew with pride every year. She generously shared the fruits of her labors and it was impossible to visit Chic and not leave without an armful of fresh vegetables and flowers. Chic had many other talents as well, one of which was leather crafting. She tooled beautiful wallets, purses and belts for family and friends. Her work was admired by many. There were also sides to her that may have been little known outside the family, including her penchant for writing poetry and painting landscapes.

While raising her children, Chic was active in both the community and public school system, volunteering her time and talents. She was a member of the Polly Harpole Hospital Auxiliary and spent many years helping to raise funds to establish a public hospital on Whidbey Island. Many years later Whidbey General Hospital became a reality. As a member of the Coupeville School PTA when her children were growing up, she helped put on shows as fundraisers. One year she and other mothers made their own elaborate costumes and performed a can-can dance. The show was a hit with the audience.

Chic was a very humble person and a real lady. Her common sense approach to life and her sage advice and witty sense of humor will be missed by all who knew her.

Chic was preceded in death by all her siblings and her husband of 60 years, Daryl.

She is survived by her children, Sharon (Tim McManus), Alana (Mike), Derek (Leslie) and seven grandchildren, Jason Raines, Ryan Samplawski, Jorie Allen (T.J.), Lexis Chappell (Dean), Kyle Raines (Michelle), Kelsi Franzen and Garrett Franzen. She is also survived by six great-grand children.

Chic had a very special relationship with each of her grandchildren and they have wonderful memories of spending time with her in her kitchen and garden.

Visitation for Chic will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor on Thursday, Dec. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. Graveside services for her will be held Friday, Dec. 10, starting at 1 p.m. at Sunnyside Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Coupeville Methodist Church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel where friends may go online at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest book and leave memories for the family.