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Nelda Franceus Obituary
Nelda Lenora Drake Franceus, 93, of Dayton, Ohio, went to be with her Lord, peacefully, at home on December 20, 2020.
She was born in Dayton, Ohio, to Earnest and Rhea Fourman. She was preceded in death by her loving mother and father, her loving sister, Marlene Fourman Daley and husband, Henri Franceus
Nelda was a talented artist who also enjoyed traveling, with a fondness for Boston and Cuba where she met Hugh Drake, the father of her sons. Nelda was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. Nelda had many lifelong friendships with her "ladies" who she loved to share time with. Her motto was to always "Keep Smiling" and her smile will be greatly missed.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Anthony "Tony" Drake, Eric Drake, George Drake and his wife, Suzanne, her granddaughter, Ashley Drake, her two great-grandsons,
Dorian and Loudon Brockman, her beloved niece, Jonelle
"Skip" Linneweber and many dear friends.
There will be a private service. In memory of our loved one, memorial donations may be made to Ohio's Hospice of
Dayton, who's nurses were so very kind and caring to Nelda during her brief illness.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nelda Franceus
3 Entries
Lorinda Drake
February 13, 2021
So sorry to hear of Aunt Nelda’s passing. We lost touch but spoke a couple of years ago. My condolences to the boys as it’s hard to lose your mother at any age.
Jerry Lake
December 27, 2020
Nelda was a long time friend from my exercise class. We exercised together in a group called Vitacize-Exercize. I was her instructor. Until Covid-19 we were getting together monthly for lunch after the exercise class ended. She was amazing and always so upbeat. She painted a picture of me in my leotard and leg warmers many years ago and I still have it hanging on my wall. There are many Nelda memories as she was such a lovely fun lady. My sympathy for all those who mourn her passing.
Suzanne Drake
December 24, 2020
Nelda was more than my mother in law. She was such a bright spot in my life. It has been more than an honor to have known her.
She was so positive, loving and the most determined person I have ever met. She could always overcome all the adversity life can bring and still keep smiling.
Nelda is missed so deeply by her loving son George.
Her son Eric has been a Godsend in her life and was there for her in ways that no-one else could have ever imagined.
She loved hearing from her son, Tony who even though he was half way around the world, found a way to talk to her almost everyday!
Her great grandsons, Dorian and Loudon not only put a smile on her face, but a glow in her heart.
We will all miss you so very much.
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