Frances Tygell

1919 - 2010

Frances Tygell, born Feb. 27, 1919, was ushered from this theatre's stage early on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, because she was always early!!!

Married to David Tygell for 50 precious, loving years, who continued his next heavenly Sierra Club hike 18 years earlier, she never loved another and was always reminded by Dave, "Franny, I Love You Madly!" Spontaneously dancing to Sinatra in their kitchen (black & white, of course!), rehearsing skits for PTA Camp Radford, shopping for bargains to immaculately attire Dave or impeccably accessorize herself, Fran was a fearless shopper, undaunted by crowds, discount debacles, or parking challenges! Paralleling Fran's adoration for Dave was her indefatigable and immense love for their daughter, Deby.

Fran was cherished by her grandmother, who raised her in New York, along with her Aunt Essie, treasuring both her entire life. Her open minded and critical passion for performing arts, costuming, and daily appearances in a plethora of animal printed garments were all born from her childhood in the Bronx, excursions to NYC, and her uncanny visual memory.

Fran was first employed as a sales clerk at Ruth Blank's New York dress shop, soon reveling on buying trips with her keen eye for color, style, and value. She later delighted in attractively adorning customers at Alexander's Department Store. After moving to California in the 1940 she worked enthusiastically and tirelessly at the May Company Gown Shop in Downtown Los Angeles. Creative, effervescent, selfless, funny, and chutzpah are just a taste of her infectious and charismatically cheerful personality traits. Along with her glamorous appearance, accompanied by a genuinely humble demeanor, Fran's trademark oversized 1970s tinted glasses were an icon of this beautifully spirited human being. Joyously ahead of her time, she inspired others with her attraction to and contagious, though critical appreciation for culturally diverse contemporary theatre, art, music, film, and dance. In the 1960s Fran accepted an invitation to work at the Max Factor Salon in Hollywood, carpooling with Dave who had continued to enjoy his accounting position at "the lipstick factory" where he had been hired more than a decade earlier. She could identify every actor and their most memorable performances along with the talent to sell ANYthing!

Fran could recall the precise shade of makeup to enhance and highlight their most flattering feature. Max went through many corporate incarnations and Fran became the "Docent with the Mosent" at the Max Factor Museum where she shared anecdotes with guests from throughout the globe. She knew every facet of the Factor Museum, which had its origins as a wig factory, and she was often resourced as an authority for reference books and special programs about the history of Hollywood's makeup industry.

Fran never spoke negatively of anyone. She remembered everyone's birthday. She intuitively cared so deeply for her loved ones and NEVER wished to impose on a soul! She never asked for anything and wanted the best for EVERYone.

In Fran's Spirit, please support the Performing and Fine Arts for current and future generations with a thoughtful gift to the: Ventura Education Partnership (VEP) ARTS PROGRAMS, 255 West Stanley Avenue, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93001; vep4vusd.org; 805-641-5000 ext. 1550 (tax deductible ID# 77-0141325) "Sing out Louise!" "Smile Baby!"