Condolence From: Daryl Simpson Norman
Condolence: I am the younger daughter of Florence Walker Simpson, friend of Frannie's since they worked the cosmetics counter together at W.T. Grant. For most of my life I knew Frannie (& Chappie)primarily from stories & photographs. However, in the past 20 years or so I've come to realize more personally what a truly wonderful person--& friend--she was. After my father's death & as Mother's health declined, there was hardly a week that went by when she didn't receive a card or letter from Frannie, often containing inspirational booklets or newspaper clippings she thought Mother might enjoy. When Mother died on Feb. 18, 2007, there was a valentine from Frannie close by in her hospital room. Since then, I, myself, have shared cards & letters with Frannie, & was privileged to visit her a couple of times (including the week after her 100th birthday last fall). There were tears & hugs, which made me feel I still held a piece of my mother. She shared stories--including the tale of the wedding gown--& memorabilia with me. I will miss her, but am comforted by the knowledge that she led a remarkable life, & now rests in peace.
Sunday June 26, 2016
Condolence From: Pamela Simpson Nolting
Condolence: Frannie and my mother, Florence Walker Simpson, met when they worked at W. T. Grant. They became best friends. Frannie and Chappie and my parents, Florence and Art, had some wild times together in their younger years! Frannie was Mother's Matron of Honor and Mother was married in the gown that one of Frannie's sisters had recently worn - I think it was Elizabeth's. It was gorgeous! I loved looking at the wedding photos and always thought Frannie looked like a porcelain doll in them.
Growing up in St. Louis, we kids always heard stories about Frannie and Chapppie, although we never really knew them. I was so blessed to finally get to know Frannie myself when I began taking my mother to the Shore in the early '90's. During some of those trips, we also got to spend time with Frannie's sister Ella and with her niece Clare.
Frannie and Mother never lost their loving relationship, often expressed in teasing banter. We often drove down to Cape May for lunch, but Frannie was just as likely to have surprised us and cooked a huge meal for us. She was quite a cook and many delicious meals came out of that tiny kitchen! And I smile when I think of the times she had hoagies delivered for lunch because she knew how much I love them! I treasure the time the three of us spent together, and the time later, after my mother died, when my husband and I visited her.
We occasionally talked on the phone and just remembering the sound of her voice makes me smile. I can it - "Hello, Dear Friend, it's Frances!"
Frannie was a beautiful soul with a generous heart and spirit. She added much to my mother's life and to mine and I miss her already.
Art and I send our deepest sympathy to all of her extended family. You have lost a gem.
Monday June 13, 2016
Condolence From: john russell
Condolence: We love you Aunt Francis! You are a very, very special person. We thank you for your strong guidance and loving support throughout the years. You were truly the matriarch of the family. We will miss you dearly.
All our love,
Ruth, John, Julie, Jim, Megan
Monday June 13, 2016
Condolence From: Debbie Gallancy Rome
Condolence: My sincerest condolences to all the family. I have good memories of Aunt Frances and Mrs. Neary. We always shared Christmas cards and stayed in touch.
Again, so very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Debbie and Scott Rome( Barbara Neary's sister)
Monday June 13, 2016
