Frances Margaret Sweigart
December 11, 1927 - January 22, 2008
Obituary
Frances M. Sweigart
Frances M. Sweigart, was born December 11, 1927 in New York, New York and passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 22, 2008 in Burien, WA. She was the only child of Lawrence and Kathleen Walsh, immigrants from Nova Scotia, Canada. The pulse of the city filled her soul as she lived life with zest.
Growing up, Frances enjoyed life in NYC as only a native could. The city was her playground. She told stories of playing on the lions in front of the New York Public Library and riding horses in Central Park. As a basketball player at Washington Irving High School, she was enrolled in the Academic track with dreams of becoming a nurse.
Along with so many Americans, World War II turned Fran’s world upside down. She met a handsome sailor while roller skating one night. Fran and Bob fell in love and were wed on September 22, 1947 across the state line in Maryland.
They moved to College Station, PA, where Fran became a nanny to help pay for room and board while Bob completed his undergraduate degree at Pennsylvania State University. It wasn’t long before Fran and Bob welcomed home their first child, Robert, in November 1949. From that point on, children would always be a constant presence in Fran’s life.
In 1950, Fran, Bob, and Rob, made the cross-country trip to start life in Seattle, WA. Bob was now a graduate student at the University of Washington. Fran worked tirelessly to advocate for Rob’s health problems at a time when most mothers didn’t have the courage to do so. Her tenacity was evident throughout her life and was instilled in all six of her children.
Fran raised her children to enjoy life and each other. The family could fill a pew at Boulevard Park Presbyterian Church or fill a pile of leaves in the University of Washington Arboretum. She made the simple task of going to the milk store a fond memory of buying ice cream cones. If the family’s budget was tight, they never knew it because of the fun and love that were always present in their home.
As the children grew, Fran took on part-time jobs in retail sales while staying active in her children’s activities. Her volunteer work started as a PTA mom in the public schools and continued in the public schools as a senior helper in the ESL English Secondary Language program at Seahurst Elementary School. She not only cheered her children on in sports, but also coached their teams. Fran was still cheering from the sidelines as her grandchildren took to the courts and fields.
Fran still played sports herself as a member of a senior volleyball team, softball team and bowling team. She was an avid reader of books and could often be seen with headphones as she listened to books-on-tape. Her passion for books led to her most recent volunteer position with the Burien Library.
Fran and Bob enjoyed the adventure of life in many other ways. There was always a mini-vacation on the calendar. Museums were a popular spot to spend a leisurely afternoon. Fran cherished their 60th wedding anniversary celebration which started with a gathering of her children and ended with the love of her life.
Fran was preceded in death by her son, Rob. She is survived by her husband, Bob; her sons Craig and Scott; her daughters Becky, Wendy, and Alison; her grandsons Craig Jr., Benjamin, Chris, and Joseph; her granddaughters Heidi, Tossie, Rebecca, Jamie, Christine, Grace, Alisah, Theresa; great-granddaughters Emily and Edith, and great-grandson Xavier.
A celebration of life ceremony for Frances M. Sweigart will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, January 27th, at Parker Chapel, 900 SW 146th St, Burien, WA. Ms. Tyna Ek, a family friend, will lead the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Burien Library Guild or the Salvation Army.
Bob and Family,
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to you. We were saddened to hear about the loss of Fran. We know this must be a difficult time for you. You and all of your family are in our thoughts and prayers. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by all. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss.
Bob please accept our heartfelt sympathies for the loss of Fran. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May your memories comfort you at this time, and for always.
With Deepest Sympathy
What a great lady who will be missed by so many. May all the wonderful memories console Bob and the family at this time of sorrow.
Fran and Bob’s house was my home away from home, I spent countless hours there. Fran was the den mother of my cub scout den, and always had a fun day planned when we met, there was always happiness, always a laugh. I was always amazed at her joyful energy, her quick wit and caring ways. I’m so glad she has been a part of my life.
I’ll always cherish my memories of Fran. From childhood through adulthood she was a part of my life. Her smile, love for life, and friendship will shine on forever in my thoughts.
Thirteen years ago I was introduced to Fran by her daughter Wendy of all places on the softball field where she loved to watch her play. From that moment Fran made me feel as if we had known each other all of my life. She was a wonderful person who I can truly say was a friend. She had a zest for life and showed it everyday. I will miss her smile and her hearty laugh. Fran I will never forget you. Thank you for your kindness and all that you have done.
We share your grief in the passing of your wife and mother. Our Phyllis, who was one month younger than Fran, passed away on March 3, 2006. We know that Phyllis and Fran were good friends, had coffee together a couple of times a week in the 60′ & 70’s. Kids of both families played together. The most memorable event we remember they did together was take a road trip to Whistler in Canada driving Steve’s red Pontiac Catalina and didn’t know Steve had a loaded pistol under the front seat. They shared a horrid tasting Chinese dinner and came home. Clark remembers Bob & Fran coming up to Lopez when he and Phyllis were building their Lopez home in the 80’s.
When I first saw the B&W photo of Fran & Bob on that Harley Davidson, it brought back another fond memory. Bob gave me my first ride on a Harley over the Geo.Washington bridge in NYC. Remember Bob? It was exhilarating, but that was my last thrill on a bike. Fran and I were high school friends and at times I felt as if were sisters..In fact, her father used to call me his “second daughter” and I called him “Dad”. The miles may have kept us apart, but we were always close at heart. I love you Fran and will miss you terribly.
Dear Wendy, I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Know that she will always be with you in spirit. Our deepest sympathy, LaRae & Bill McGirr
We only knew Fran for a few short years, but she impressed us as a very kind and sweet person. We will miss her.
Bob, we share your grief in the passing of Fran. She touched our hearts whenever we saw her. She seemed so happy and warm towards us when visited with you. You’ll be in our prayers. Peace be with you.
Our deepest sympathies to you and your families. She had a great life and a lot of great memories were made for all to remember.
Bob and Family
Our hearts go out to you and your family for the loss of Fran. She was truly a wonderful person and a very very dear friend. She will truly be missed by all.
Bob…We are saddened by Fran’s passing. Such a gracious lady. It was fun to visit at those wonderful softball games and again Christmastime bowling. God has left you a gift of memories. Hold onto them during this time of sadness. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I met Fran when she attended our senior softball games. Bob was my coach and teammate. She was always a friendly person, and it was a pleasure to converse with her.She always found the time to volunteer and help others. Our prayers go out to Bob and their family.
Fran was like my second mom. I loved her dearly. She always made me feel like part of the family from the first time I moved to Seattle, when she and Bob let me and my cat Kaspar live with them until I found a house. That was over 18 years ago. My Mom said to me today that Fran and Bob are the kind of people that if they said “I love you” or “It was really good to see you again, please come by anytime.” You knew they really meant it, they weren’t just being polite. I will really miss Fran, her sense of humor, her passion, and her New York headstrongness. Is that a real word? Till we meet again Fran, I love you!
My mind is flooded with memories of all the times I spent at the Sweigart home. From the time Wendy and I first became friends in grade school. Fran and Bob were my coaches for softball. Wendy, Alison and Becky were all playing on the team. I must have stayed more nights overnight at their house on the weekends and in the summer than I did my own, as Wendy and I were always going somewhere or playing in some sporting event. Fran was always there, always happy and always smiling in that way that made her eyes light up and the world a happier place. Even as a child, she was great to talk to about any subject.
Fran and Bob came to Vegas about a year ago and we went to lunch. Years had passed since I had seen them at my own mother’s funeral. But there were those eyes, that smile and that great sense of humor. It was like old times…..as though not a minute had passed since we were last together. I want the family to know just how much she meant to me and how my memories of her and the Sweigart family take up a very large space in my heart. She was my coach, my friend, and my second mom.
My mind is flooded with memories of all the times I spent at the Sweigart home. From the time Wendy and I first became friends in grade school. Fran and Bob were my coaches for softball. Wendy, Alison and Becky were all playing on the team. I must have stayed more nights overnight at their house on the weekends and in the summer than I did my own, as Wendy and I were always going somewhere or playing in some sporting event. Fran was always there, always happy and always smiling in that way that made her eyes light up and the world a happier place. Even as a child, she was great to talk to about any subject.
Fran and Bob came to Vegas about a year ago and we went to lunch. Years had passed since I had seen them at my own mother’s funeral. But there were those eyes, that smile and that great sense of humor. It was like old times…..as though not a minute had passed since we were last together. I want the family to know just how much she meant to me and how my memories of her and the Sweigart family take up a very large space in my heart. She was my coach, my friend, and my second mom.
My clearest memory of Fran is when I was visiting Becky, and all of the Sweigarts were at home. Kids were swarming around, playing musical instruments, bickering, demanding food, asking questions, engaging her in political discussions, and rewiring a stereo. I was a little overwhelmed by all of the chaotic activity – until I focused on Fran.
She was the calm in the eye of the hurricane.
I remember she had a beautiful smile, a delightful laugh, and a wry sense of humor. Her love for her family was evident in every gesture, every quip, every glance – all of which she performed with a seemingly unhurried grace. Though I drifted away from the Sweigart family, I remained very connected in this odd fashion: over the past 38 years, whenever I read a book where a strong, well-grounded, gracious, educated woman is depicted, I automatically pictured Fran Sweigart.
My heart goes out to her family and to everyone who loved her, because I know the unbearable sense of loss they must feel. God bless.
Bob, Our heart goes out to you and your family on the loss of Fran. We enjoyed seeing her and visiting with her at the Christmas bowling and dinner. You are in our thoughts.
Our earth has lost an angel and Heaven has gained another. I truly don’t believe I’ve ever met a more loving person who truly loved and cared for others with feelings and actions, not just words.
My Love and Sympathy to Fran’s true love Bob, daughter Wendy and all the Family. My heart cries with you.