Anita W. Franks

1927 - 2018

Anita Walker Franks died peacefully in her sleep on September 3, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She happily spent her final months in South Carolina surrounded by family. Born in El Paso TX, July 30, 1927, Anita spent her early years in Chihuahua, Mexico and the Black Hills of South Dakota before raising her family in Plymouth, MA. Anita was a women's rights activist, member of the "Remember the Ladies" committee, Plymouth League of Women Voters, and Plymouth Town Meeting. As a museum curator, she was instrumental in conceiving the idea for and curating the Plymouth Ocean Spray Visitor's Center, and also worked at both Pilgrim Hall and the Howland House. Anita was a teacher at Thayer Academy and in the Plymouth Schools, and spoke three languages: English, Spanish, and German. She spent later years in Hingham, MA; was active in the South Shore Art Guild; and has one piece on permanent display at both the Boston Public Library and the Hingham Public Library. Anita received her bachelor's degree from Vassar College, master's degree from Columbia University, did Graduate Studies at Boston University, and received, at age 70, her Bachelor's in Fine Arts degree from the MA College of Art. She was active in Old Ship Church, Hingham, MA, especially with Music, Candlelight Concert, and the Archives and Building committees. She enjoyed yoga, travelling around the world, hiking, kayaking, reading, and classical music. Her extensive artwork, writings, and poetry will be cherished by her family and friends. Predeceased by her parents, Harlan A. Walker and Anita Rothe Walker of Salt Lake City, UT, and her sister, Marilyn Walker Waltman of Clarence, NY, she is survived by four children: Wendie Howland (Francis) of Pocasset, MA, Eben Franks (Nancy) of Bourne, MA, Lucy LaPier (David) of Palo Alto, CA, and William S. Franks Jr (Lisa Marie) of Greenville, SC; sister, Catherine Walker Chamberlain of Salt Lake City, UT; Diana Franks of Falmouth, MA; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three nieces, and four nephews. A service to celebrate her life will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Old Ship Church, 107 Main Street, Hingham, MA 02043, with reception to follow at the Old Ship Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Old Ship Church, 107 Main Street, Hingham, MA 02043, www.oldshipchurch.org; or South Shore Art Center, 119 Ripley Road, Cohasset, MA 02025, www.ssac.org.