Mary Kane

Fran Kane passed away Sunday night (02-11-18) surrounded by friends and family.

Fran was a beloved Napa Valley resident since moving here from San Francisco in 1972, when she, her husband Eneas “Red” Kane, and their daughter Karyn, bought their dream ranch and left the big city behind.

Fran was born in Rome, Georgia in 1931 and attended Rome Girls High School. She spent her early years in the South. Her adventures included being crowned Miss Radio Queen of the South, modeling professionally in Miami and New York, co-hosting Larry King’s first radio talk show on a boat in Miami harbor, traveling to Cuba to socialize with President Bautista and other world leaders, opening the first Slenderella International franchise in Florida, and being the first female public relations director at Continental Aviation.

Fran moved to the West Coast in the mid-1960’s, where she and her Texan roommate, Charlotte Smith (now Mrs. George Schultz) took San Francisco by storm. Fran started working for the Director of the SF Housing Authority, Eneas “Red” Kane, and the rest is history.  They were married and their daughter Karyn was born shortly thereafter.

After settling on their ranch in Calistoga, Fran brought her talents to the NV Community in many ways. Always a go-getter, she was a district manager for Avon and held jobs at Beringer Winery, The Clarion Hotel, the Napa County Administrative Offices, eventually working as a legal secretary for various local firms.

“Red” Kane died 1993 and shortly thereafter, Fran met Judge Donald Fretz. For the next 20 years, the two were recognizable figures in the NV social scene.  They were tirelessly devoted to the Napa Camelia Society and steadily increased the group’s membership and brand. They were active members of the Methodist church and generously supported many charitable organizations. Together, they traveled the world and lived life to it’s fullest.                                                                         

In 2006 Fran’s life changed forever with the birth of her only grandson, Kane. She was the most devoted “Grammy” in the world—never missing a sports game or failing to cheer Kane on with her custom-made signs, contagious energy, and indomitable spirit.  She ensured that every interaction with Kane was a memorable one. They were truly best pals.

We will celebrate Fran’s amazing life on Friday, February 23rd at Tulocay, 411 Coombsville Road in Napa.  Attendees, please note: The family will not admit anyone wearing black.  We want only bright, happy colors to honor a woman who was colorful in every way!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Kane, please visit our floral store.