Frances Lilley Jorgensen

1924 to 2009

Fran, as she liked to be called, passed away with family at her side on November 4, 2009. She lost her valiant battle against the terrible disease Pulmonary Fibrosis. Having led a full life, she was a tremendous wife and mother, great cook and swing dancer, and accomplished golfer. Fran had three hole-in-ones during numerous enjoyable rounds of golf in Southern and Central California and could (and did) dance her three sons into the dance floor!

She is survived by Rush Hill, II, a Newport Beach architect, and his wife Linda (son and wife), Robert Lilley, the San Luis Obispo County Agricultural Commissioner and his wife Susie (son and wife), Terry Lilley, a biologist (son), Rush and Dr. Allison Hill, III (grandson and wife), Bradley and Meridith Hill (grandson and wife), Lindsay Hill (granddaughter), Sarah and Adam Bittle (granddaughter and husband), Scott Lilley (grandson) and Travis Lilley (grandson).

Fran was predeceased by her first husband Fenton Hill, a builder, who passed in 1997; Harold “Hal” Lilley, an Irvine Ranch farmer, successful business man and athlete who she celebrated 29 years of marriage with before his passing in 1979; and a third husband, Edward Jorgensen, the former tennis and basketball coach for Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, for 15 years until his passing in 1999. Fran’s daughter-in-law introduced Fran and Ed knowing of their shared love of golf. Ed’s first comment about Fran was that he had never seen a prettier golf swing!

Fran was born and raised in Southern California. She worked at Knott’s Berry Farm when it was a berry farm, making and serving pies. With Hal she was one of the founders of the San Onofre Surf Club and could have been found dancing at the Rendezvous Ball Room in Balboa, Newport Beach on Saturday nights during the 40’s and 50’s.

A celebration of Fran’s life will take place at the San Luis Obispo County Club on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at noon. Family and friends will gather to remember the joy of Fran’s life and to thank the staff of the Garden View Inn in Atascadero for their loving care of Fran during the past three plus years.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in the name of Frances Lilley Jorgensen to Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, 277 South Street, Suite R, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Tax ID # 77-0475425.