Frances Louise Malmberg

BESSEMER, Mich. - Frances Louise Malmberg died at the age of 90 on Oct. 1, 2016, at her family home with her son and daughter by her side.

Born on Oct. 26, 1925, Fran was the youngest of seven children born to Marko and Julia (Tirpik) Samarziya. After graduating from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer with the class of 1943, Fran worked at the J.C. Penney store in Ironwood.

Fran married Roy Malmberg on Aug. 24, 1946, in St. Sebastian Church. Shortly after, they moved to Ann Arbor where she worked at the Goodyear Department Store of Ann Arbor. Fran and Roy moved back to Bessemer in 1954; in 1964 they and their children moved into the home in which Fran grew up.

A life long member of St. Sebastian Church, she was a member of the former Yale Guild and then the St. Sebastian Guild. She was president and treasurer, chaired many fund raising projects and volunteered at the monthly pasty sale for many years.

Fran enjoyed all high school sports, was a faithful fan at all the games and an avid supporter of the Bessemer Booster Club. She also enjoyed golfing, bowling and watching the Lions, Tigers and Red Wings.

She was very proud of and enjoyed her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Whether a game, a music concert, or other event Fran would be there cheering them on.

Fran is survived by her son, Paul of Bessemer; and daughter and son-in-law, Mary Kay and Mike Smock of Negaunee; her grandchildren, Kady and Todd Meinke of Bessemer, David Malmberg of Austin, Texas, Jennifer Malmberg of Duluth, Minn., Mark Malmberg of Bessemer, Eric and Danielle Smock of South Lyon, Brian Smock of San Francisco, and Christopher Smock of Negaunee. Her great-grandchildren, Eliza, Natalie and Audrey Stone of Bessemer, and Rory Smock of South Lyon also survive Fran. She is further survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Fran was preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses, Ann and Charlie Bolognino, Mary Ulianelii, Katherine and Mike Martin, John and Evelyn Samarziya, Pete and Mildred Samarziya and Frank Samarziya. Several nieces and nephews also predeceased her.

A Mass of Christian Burial, attended by the family, was held on Monday, Oct. 3, at St. Sebastian Church with interment at the Hillcrest Cemetery.

Fran was a loving and giving person and her family was blessed to have her in their lives for so many years. We know God kept a special place for her in heaven.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, assisted the family.