[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E15]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO HONOR THE LIFE OF FRANCES BOHANNON NELSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 8, 2014

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring 
the life of an extraordinary woman, Frances Bohannon Nelson, who passed 
away peacefully after a brief illness on November 23, 2013.
   Frances was born in Oakland, California in 1922, and was the oldest 
daughter of Ophelia and David Bohannon. She graduated from the 
University of California, Berkeley in 1943, and began her stellar 
career in real estate development with the Bohannon companies.
   She was named President of Bohannon Development Company in 1975, and 
led the company in its successful growth. With Frances's leadership, 
Bohannon Development Company flourished, and among its many successes 
expanded and enclosed Hillsdale Shopping Center in 1981, during a 
severe economic downturn. Frances also established an extraordinary 
record of philanthropic service, serving as the Regent and Trustee of 
Santa Clara University; as a member of the Board of Governors of the 
Urban Land Institute; and the Advisory Board of Peninsula Volunteers. 
She was Honorary Chairman of the Capital Campaign for the Second 
Harvest Food Bank in San Mateo County, and generously supported Planned 
Parenthood and women's reproductive rights. Frances was voted into the 
San Mateo County Woman's Hall of Fame in 1990.
   An astute businesswoman and generous philanthropist, Frances was 
also a marvelous cook and an adventurous woman who loved to fish and 
hunt with her family in Alaska, Canada, Mexico, India and Africa.
   Frances lived in Woodside, California for 55 years, was a devoted 
wife to Howard Nelson and the parent of three beloved children, 
Patricia Atassi, Linda Davis and Steven Nelson. She is survived by 
daughters Patricia and Linda, and grandchildren Tarek Atassi, Jennifer 
Davis, Blair Nelson and Eric Nelson. Her husband Howard Nelson, son 
Steven Nelson, sister Barbara Carleton, brother David E. Bohannon, and 
grandson Ramzi Atassi predeceased her.
   I had the privilege of knowing Frances Nelson for many years. She 
was a powerful role model in our community. She and her family are 
amongst the most highly respected in our community, and are responsible 
in countless ways for the betterment of San Mateo County.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
a woman who will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune to 
know her. Frances Bohannon Nelson was a true patriot, a woman who loved 
her family and served her community and her country with a deep sense 
of dedication. For this, the entire House of Representatives extends 
its condolences to the Nelson and Bohannon families.

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