Frances Eileen Smith Shoemaker

Frances
Eileen Smith Shoemaker
TEGA CAY -- Fran Shoemaker, of Marietta, Georgia, formerly of Tega Cay, born Frances Eileen Smith in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 29th of 1920, was a beloved mother, wife, writer, athlete, traveler, animal lover, and friend. She graduated from Perry High School where she was active in Drama and Tennis, even winning a City Tennis Championship. She attended the University of Pittsburgh and served as an editor for the PITT News where she gained her love of the written word. She worked for the US Army Air Reconnaissance Filter Center in Pittsburgh during WWII.
On October 22, 1943, Fran married the love of her life James Albert Shoemaker in Tyler, Texas. After the war, Jim and Fran moved to Gibsonia, Pennsylvania to raise their family. While in Gibsonia, Fran served as Editor of the Richlander, a local newspaper. She, Jim and a few close friends started the Richland Scholarship Fund for promising graduates of Richland High School. She became an avid Horsewoman and pet lover. Later she joined the HJ Heinz Company and progressed to become the Manager of Consumer Relations, and was the face of Heinz to new mothers for many years. She and her husband had the good fortune to be able to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Bermuda and the US. In 1983 Jim and Fran bought a home in Tega Cay, SC where Fran found great pleasure in neighbors, teaching Sunday School, golf, Bridge, boating and the Vintage Club. Jim and Fran were able to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary while in Tega Cay. Following Jim's death, Fran and her beloved sister Anna Lois continued attending 71st Infantry Reunions and experienced several delightful cruises together.
In 2005 Fran moved to Marietta Georgia to be closer to family and made many new friends at her home at Atherton Place. In 2009 she moved to Greenwood Gardens in Marietta and was blessed with the thoughtful care she received there until her passing.
Fran is survived by her sister, Ann Flack of Media Pennsylvania; children, James Shoemaker of Cincinnati and Denny Shoemaker and wife Chris of Marietta; Grandchildren Denise and Jim Grandstaff, Derrick Shoemaker, Kathryn Shoemaker, and Andrew and Lauren Shoemaker; and Great Grandchildren J.D. and Roman Grandstaff.
Memorial Services will be held at Unity Presbyterian Church in Fort Mill, SC on Thursday, March 26 at 3 p.m. and Fran will be buried at Union Dale Cemetery in Pittsburgh with her husband, parents and son Joseph.
In lieu of flowers, the family request consideration of gifts to Unity Presbyterian Church in Fort Mill, SC or St. Anne's Catholic Church in Rock Hill, SC.
Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 770-432-0771.