In loving memory of Lara Ann French who passed away very unexpectedly on July 18, 2025 at the age of 52. She is deeply missed by her Mother, family and friends.

Lara was the only baby born in Rochester MN on October 13, 1972. She was her Mom's best friend from the very beginning. She passed away clean and sober after 21 years in recovery. She helped many people in the NA Program through her faith, kindness, thoughtfulness, consideration of others and her ever-ready willingness to help. She was the first one to offer a hug to the newcomer many of whom had never been hugged in their life. She simply loved helping people.

She attended West Concord Elementary School and graduated from Pine Island High School 1991. She was known for her infectious laugh. She wanted to play volleyball but she just was too polite and kept telling her team mates "excuse me" during games so she decided sports just wasn't for her.

In 2005, she and her Mom headed off for an adventure in Austin TX when her Mom was transferred there for work. They had a house with a beautiful back yard filled with flowers. Lara loved gardening. In the winter, she would cover up all the plants with warming blankets and tarps to keep them growing all year round. She would smile with such joy when the tarps were removed after a cold spell to display a beautiful new bloom from underneath!!

Then in 2023, she and her Mom moved back to MN to be closer to friends and family due to health issues. Unfortunately, after contracting COVID early in the pandemic she suffered with many symptoms of Long Covid that took a toll on her physical health. They settled into an apartment in Byron, MN where Lara found contentment, peace and security in the home she and her Mom built together there.

Lara was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother Patricia Wohlfiel and grandfather Leonard Wohlfiel. Also, her paternal grandmother Nyla French and grandfather Allen French.

She is survived by her mother Cheryl Andresen of Byron MN, her father Ronal French of Oronoco MN, and her brother Nathan French of Rochester MN. She has 3 nephews Ethan, Tyler and Dylan and 3 nieces Makenzie, Jazmin and Madalyn.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at the Byron Funeral Home at 1620 Voll Dr NW in Byron, MN on Saturday August 2, 2025 between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.