Frances Josephine Thornton Current was born in El Paso, Texas, on Aug. 31, 1930, the first of five siblings. Her mother promptly called her Angel Baby, although she was named after her grandmother.

Her parents were John Fitzgerald Thornton and Mary Hayes Culligan Thornton. Her siblings were John F. Thornton, Jr. (dec), Thomas M. Thornton, Elizabeth Anne Thornton Baker (dec) and David G. Thornton (dec).

Frances passed peacefully from this life to the next in the mid-afternoon of Sept. 10, 2025, as she wanted.

Services are at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 5444 Hollister Ave. The rosary is at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10. Mass is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, with a reception to follow in the parish hall.

Frances grew up mostly in El Paso, living a rural life with farm animals and always a collie. She was one of the original strong, self-sufficient women.

Education was important to Frances. She was brilliant and graduated high school a year early. She went on to earn her degree in biology with a minor in chemistry and a teaching credential from University of New Mexico.

Francis was a scientist and teacher all her life, whether teaching her own children or substituting in the science classrooms of the local schools.

She met her husband Neal Freeman Current, a young engineer at UNM. Upon graduation, the two eloped in 1952 to Port Hueneme, California, to marry as Neal was in the Navy. They were married for 72 years until Neal’s passing.

Ultimately, the family settled in Goleta, once Neal completed his service, entered the reserves and earned his master’s degree.

Over the first five years of their marriage, Neal and Frances had five children Dorothy Anne, Neal Freeman, John Arthur, Kenneth Lee and Thomas Joseph.

Besides family, Frances was very involved with collies. She bred and showed them, and was a member of the Collie Club of America. She loved her dogs very much.

Frances was a lifelong and devout Catholic. She treasured her faith, and knew that Jesus loved her. St. Raphael became her parish when we moved to Goleta. She sang for many years in the choir. Music was always important to her, something she endeavored to pass on to all the children.

As the end of her life neared, Frances entered Sarah House. The family cannot say enough about Sarah House and staff in the way they cared for and loved her to the end.

For those who might wish to honor Frances’ life, the family suggests donations in lieu of flowers to Sarah House, the VNA, or a charity of your choice.

May the angels come to greet you. May they lead you to paradise. Rest in peace, dearest Mother.