Mary Frances (Canil) Frank

Mary Frances (Canil) Frank, age 93, loving mother of three and adoring wife to Ronald E. Frank passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Forbes Hospital in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. 

Mary “Fuff”, will be dearly missed by her husband of 73 years.  A devoted couple and wonderful example of life and love, theirs is truly a great love story that began simply enough at “The Big G”.  The girl with the big dimples, white blouse and small black tie around her neck fell in love with the handsome, young war vet wearing a tailor-made gray suit.  And when he asked her to dance, she hesitated only briefly and stepped on his toes but once before they knew this would be forever.  

In addition to her loving husband Ronald, Mary is survived by her two sons, Ronald Frank (Elsie) of Johnstown, Ohio, Robert Frank (Josie) of Natrona Heights; her daughter, Elaine Ferguson (Joseph) of Leechburg; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and her sister, Norma Adamchuck (Charles) of West Leechburg. 

In addition to her parents, Romano and Maria, Mary was preceded in death by two sisters, Johanna “Jenny” Cousins and Erma Canil.

Passionate about her faith and saved by grace, Mary was a member of the First Baptist Church of Leechburg for over 75 years, where she taught Sunday school for over 25 years. 

A child of the Great Depression, many were blessed to learn valuable lessons from Mary.  Anything can be repurposed: never throw out old pantyhose or used aluminum foil, use old curtains to protect your blueberry bushes from birds, and save used wrapping paper for next year.  Pleased with very little, she also taught us to never underestimate the value of bright red lipstick and a pretty brooch.

Mary had many gifts and talents, such as a love of spontaneously singing, the ability to speak her mind at all times, growing tomatoes, camping, and crocheting countless afghans.  Her fondness for creating custom greetings cards with an inserted photocopy of your head and the phrase “Created by Fran” on the back was by far the most renowned of her talents.

Franny will be dearly missed by her family and with great difficulty we say goodbye to a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.  Perhaps she would say goodbye the best with her endearingly unique parting phrase… “Well, that’s about all I know.” 

Friends will be welcomed by her family on Monday, March 6, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral ceremonies beginning at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 111 Siberian Ave, Leechburg, PA 15656.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church.

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