Francine Mayhew Breedlove

October 4,1933  –  January 29,2023

Born to John Paul Mayhew and Mae Rosne Mayhew in Philadelphia, PA, the family relocated to Metzger Oregon in 1942 where Francine attended St. Anthony’s grade school and graduated from Tigard High School. She went on to graduate from Griffin Business College and later earned her Alcohol Counseling Certification from Seattle University.

She married Archie Breedlove in 1961, also welcoming stepdaughters Becky, Vangie and Toni to her life.  In 1970 they bought their home in Kirkland WA, where Francine resided for the remainder of her life.

Her 45-year career consisted of counseling, education and customer service work most often pertaining to industries of service.  Working with alcoholics and their families Francine brought her knowledge, deep caring, quick wit and logic to the chaos these families found themselves in, helping many find their way to sobriety, health and spirituality.

She spent 15 years as an Administrative Assistant to the Archdiocese of Seattle.  Her supervisors and peers called her “a rare combination of sincerity, intelligence and humor.”

“She had a great love for the church and an understanding of the academic viewpoint as well as exhibiting a seamless application of the church principles, all the while seeing the logical path through any challenge that presented itself to a speedy resolution.”

She was active in her church, volunteering for many positions and serving with great gratitude to be able to do so. Francine had a beautiful voice and sang in the choir for many years, as well as doing readings and some broadcasting. She was humble, gracious and always felt there was more she could be doing to serve.

A highly intelligent woman with a spontaneous and contagious sense of humor, combined with a soul deep sense of compassion for all people, she touched everyone she met. Sage wise and highly intuitive she was a mentor, a best friend, a mother, a sister, a confidant to all who knew her, and a favorite Aunt to one.  Quoting one of her friends: “I wish I had some of her holiness, her fashion sense, her deep love of Jesus, and her smarts.” Her passing leaves a very large hole in the fabric of our world, while in Heaven the celebration is ongoing as she is welcomed home and honored for the great love she bestowed on the world while she was here and for her deep and unwavering love of God, Jesus, and the Catholic Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Archie Breedlove; stepdaughters, Becky, Vangie, and Toni; her sister Jacqueline Springer; her brother, Jack Mayhew Jr.

She is survived by a nephew, Raymond Springer, Jr., wife Jill; a niece, Kathy Mayhew; a nephew, Michael Mayhew, wife Kathy; a great nephew Mark Springer, wife Karie; and several great nieces and nephews.

Services will be held February 9, 2023 @ 8:40am, reception to follow, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Kirkland, WA; Graveside services will follow @ 12:30pm at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery in Shoreline, WA.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate in Francine’s name to one of her favorite charities/organizations:

Sacred Heart Radio @ sacredheartradio.org

The World Apostolate of Fatima @ Bluearmy.com

Edmunites @ edmunitesmission.org

St Vincent De Paul @Holy Family Parish