Alexandria Frahm

1920 - 2015

Frahm, Alexandria 02/15/1920 ~ 02/18/2015 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO -- Alexandria "Alex" Frahm received her call to journey to a Heavenly place on February 18, 2015, where she will visit with family and friends including her beloved son, "Jimmy."* She passed through this life exactly three days after enjoying her 95th birthday cake and celebrating with her four children and extended family. Alex was born on February 15, 1920, in West Hempstead, New York. She was the first daughter and second child of Emelian Kalchuk, and Elsie Hladek, who immigrated to America on long voyages from Volin, Russia and Vesele, Austria-Hungary, respectively. Emelian worked for the railroad and Elsie was employed as a chambermaid at the Waldorf Astoria, a luxury hotel in Manhattan, New York City. It was there, in the center of the rich and famous, that Elsie and her daughter Alex first developed a love for motion pictures and movie stars. After graduating from high school, Alex worked at the phone company where she was an exemplary employee, featured in corporate training films. She was among a small group of pioneer women who were the first to be allowed to venture into the working world of men, in the switching rooms. During the war years, she prepared and sent care packages for our troops overseas. This kindness was characteristic of the person and she contributed to veterans' and many other causes until the end of her life. Alex prospered for decades after her retirement from the phone company. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, ceramic painting, crossword puzzles, and was an avid reader. She remained highly productive over all of the years of her life. She also continued her love affair with the movies, which only deepened with the recent advent of reclining chairs and the opportunity to order ice cream. Alex's 23-year marriage to Herb Frahm produced five children: Barry, Chris, Jim, George and Paul. Alex was the matriarch of this loving extended family which included eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren at the time of her death. For decades, Alex never missed a birthday or graduation without sending a loving note and a few dollars in cash to each and every member of this clan.Alex lived a rich and full life as a loving mother, grandmother, great- grandmother and friend. She was a member of the Red Hat Society for many years, enjoying not only the bonding and social interaction with girlfriends her age, but also enjoying the red hats and attention getting fashion accessories the group is known for. But more broadly, she was a friend to all, including on Facebook, where her smile and sassy personality made her a legend. Alex would always light up the room and brought joy to everyone around her, often asking with a twinkle in her eye, "what's for dessert?" *The life of Alexandria Kalchuk Frahm is truly one to celebrate. She will be dearly missed by everyone who had the joy of knowing her. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Alex to the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe.