Known to many, young and old, as "Auntie Fran," she was born in Bremerton, WA, the eldest of 4 children.
Auntie Fran Yen spent her early years in eastern Washington. Active in student life, Auntie Fran was voted to various class officers' positions, active in 4-H club, sang in the choir, and participated in a variety of other activities.
Although her family was the only Asian in Tekoa, a small town, they never felt discrimination. The community took care of the Yen family, making them feel like they were a part of many families, and including them on trips and vacations. The children and local families taught English to her mother. All of the siblings keep contact with early classmates. To this day, Auntie Fran states that she would never trade this rich experience of a community caring for her and her family. This community's love and support helped fuel Auntie Fran's lifelong endeavor and desire to help communities and organizations she has been a part of.
In the early I950s, Auntie Fran's parents felt it was time to be around Asians. Subsequently, the family moved to Seattle. She matriculated at the Washington State University and Seattle University. She worked several years to support her brothers through college. With a degree, she completed additional academic work for a teaching credential. Eventually, she moved to California and was employed in the San Francisco School District. She worked there for 10 years.
After Auntie Fran's marriage to William (Bill) Locke, they moved back to Seattle, where she taught at the Wing Luke Elementary School. Later her husband accepted a position with Lockheed Aircraft in their space program in New Orleans. At this time a new training program for teachers was developed. Auntie Fran was recruited to coordinate this new program in New Orleans. These were interesting and fun years for them, as a steady stream of families and friends from all over the U.S. converged on Uncle Bill and Auntie Fran in their new world of cuisine and Mardi Gras! Upon Uncle Bill's retirement, the couple returned to Seattle.
As a teacher and administrator, Auntie Fran was instrumental in developing curriculum and workshops during her 19 years in the Seattle School District. While teaching, Auntie Fran realized there was a large influx of non-English speaking children into the Seattle area. Wanting to assist with the newly arrived immigrants' English language skills, she developed and spearheaded a Lunar New Year program. This program became the first of its kind in the district. With this accomplishment, they received numerous invitations to present the program to schools, churches, including a performance at a Sonics game!
After Auntie Fran's retirement and when the Seattle School District focused on expanding the gifted-program, she was asked to return to assist. Although she plans to cut back to full retirement, this may not happen any time soon, as the school district continues to request her assistance.
Although Uncle Bill and Auntie Fran did not have children of their own, throughout the years, they have supported children in many ways. From providing scholarships to needy children, to financially supporting a new school playground, to imparting wisdom and encouragement to many, they have shown their devotion to the children of our community. They have been involved in their nieces' and nephews' activities, in and out of school. Auntie Fran continues this involvement into the next generation, with her grandnieces, grandnephews and goddaughter.
Some of Auntie Fran's volunteer work in San Francisco included being a board member of the Chinatown YWCA, founding member of the Chinese Historical Society, Chinese Hospital Auxiliary, Square and Circle Club, an 80 year-old Chinese Women's club focused on fund-raising for Chinese causes. Her other volunteer work and affiliations in Seattle include past-president Delta Kappa Sorority Gamma, an officer of Cathay Post Auxiliary, board member of Chong Wa, assisting with the Miss Chinatown Queen Pageant, past-president of Jade Guild, early founding member and board member of Kin On Health Care Center, Women's University Club, Sunday School teacher at Chinese Baptist Church, and serving as an advisor to a young girls' club, Chi-Ettes.
Although Auntie Fran prefers not being in the limelight, the community knows her from the behind the scenes support. We have received the blessings of her compassionate wisdom and encouragement, her abundant volunteer time, her generous financial support and her gentle and calm demeanor. Young and old, we have all benefited from her selflessness.
A very dear friend once said about Auntie Fran, "You are one of those exceptional persons who knows the meaning of "Love Thy Neighbor:' You give so much and ask for so little. You make your little corner of this earth rich and full of compassion and love!'
© 2006 OCA-Greater Seattle Chapter
OCA - GREATER SEATTLE CHAPTER