Dear family of Fran,

I first met in May 1974, the day I started working at IBM.  She & Shirley Stender were the lead secretaries in the area to which I was assigned & took me under their wings.  I learned so much from both of them.  One of my favorite memories of your Mom was how she used to always complain that she didn't have a butt!  She wore slacks a lot and always wished she had more of a shape.  Shirley & I, who both had plenty of shape, didn't give her much sympathy.   Fran was so much fun to work with. She didn't sweat the small stuff & it took a lot to rile her.  I was sorry to read about her passing.    A friend shared this poem with me when my Mom died in 2001, at just 71 years of age & while it didn't bring me much comfort then (nothing did), I do find it comforting now as I re-read it before sharing with others who have lost a loved one.  I truly believe that your loved one does always remain "right there in your heart".  Hoping that time will help to heal your hearts.  

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

Author Unknown

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,

While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you.

And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,

That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready, in heaven far above,

And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye.

For all my life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for, so much yet to do,

It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,

I thought of all the love we share and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday, just even for awhile,

I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized, that this could never be,

For emptiness and memories would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things I might miss come tomorrow,

I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gate, I felt so much at home.

When God looked down and smiled at me from his great golden throne,

He said "This is eternity and all I've promised you.

Today for life on earth is past, but here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last.

And since each day's the same, there's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true.

Though there were times you did some things, you knew you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free.

So won't you take my hand and share my life with me?"

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,

For every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.

So sorry for your loss. I remember playing bridge with Fran.  She was a very good player. 

Enjoyed knowing her.  Mary Beard

So sorry to hear about Fran's passing.  Fran was my secretary at IBM for a number of years and I enjoyed a special relationship with her.  I was always impressed at how Fran carried herself as a professional in her appearance and in how she did her job.

I will always carry fond memories of her. 

My deepest sympathy to her family.  

Roy Bauer

Fran was a very special lady.  The many wonderful times I got to share with her and Red will remain embedded in my memory forever.  My condolences to her loving family and her many friends who will dearly miss her.