Amelia Paula "Lia" Franz, passed away Sunday morning at her home, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was 98 years young. Amelia was born on January 10, 1925 in Rijeka, Croatia to the late Marijan Romano and Mary (Paskvan) Bleccich.  She met and married Johannes E. Franz, a prisoner of war survivor, on November 16, 1947. Johannes passed on September 24, 2011 after 63 years of marriage. Surviving is her daughter and best friend, Sylvia M. (George) Pappas, son Mario  (Sarah) Franz; two loving granddaughters, whom she adored, Jacqueline Amelia (Brad) Franz-Daniels and Adriana R. Pappas, and her precious great granddaughter Annaliese Rose Daniels; also surviving is her brother Mario (Julia) Bleccich and a sister Rosie Forcieri, who is 100 years old; and a niece and a nephew.

Amelia came to the United States via New York in 1956. After a few stops, they settled in Elkhart Indiana where her husband worked for NIBCO. Amelia was a wonderful stay at home wife, mother, and Nonna. She loved to bake and was well known for her almond torte!  She loved being outdoors, and enjoyed living on Simonton Lake, feeding the ducks, birds and squirrels, and all the fun times with family and friends enjoying the water.  She also loved flowers and animals, especially cats. She was a "lover of life" but could be stubborn and opinionated, but that's why we loved her so much! She would often say, "my legs feel 100, but my mind and heart feel 20" and "my machine is kaput!" followed by lots of laughter. She was kind and generous and will be truly missed.

A gathering of friends and family will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at The Gathering Place at Centre 1231, located in the northernmost building on the grounds of the funeral home. Per her wishes, cremation was chosen under the care of Billings Funeral Home. To send a condolence or share a memory of Amelia with her family, kindly visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com