Frankie L. Perry

Frankie L. Perry

Frankie L. Perry, beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and colleague, passed away January 22, 2025, in her home with family and her black Labrador, Quincy.

Frankie had a profound impact on so many people throughout her lifetime professionally and personally; a life well lived.

Frankie was born in Atchison, Kansas on November 18, 1934, daughter of the late John C. Gutzman and Frankie L. Gutzman (Sinker). After graduating from Flint Northern High School, she earned her Nursing Diploma from Nazareth College, Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1952. Later, Frankie went on to earn her B.A. and M.A. from the University of Michigan.

Frankie held senior positions in both nursing and hospital administration, including Assistant Medical Center Director of Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan; Executive Vice President of the American College of Healthcare Executives; and National and International Healthcare Consultant. Passionate about public health, she joined the Faculty of the University of New Mexico in 2007 and continued teaching Healthcare Management through the Fall Semester of 2024. Frankie was the first female recipient of the American College of Healthcare Executives 2011 Lifetime Service Award.

Although Frankie experienced many accolades in her career, she took the most pride in loving and supporting her family and friends. She was proud to have four adult children married to their original spouses with strong work ethics. Frankie loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren deeply, whether cheering them on at a sporting event, editing a college application, career counseling, providing a listening ear and heartfelt wisdom, providing honest criticism, and always believing in the best of each person. Her son Tony coined the guiding phrase, "What would Momma do?"

To be with Frankie was to feel like you were the most important person in the room. She had an extraordinary ability to make others feel valued, cared for, and special. Her unwavering attention and support were a gift to anyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy as a mother, grandmother, friend, colleague, and mentor will forever remain in the hearts of those lives she touched.

Frankie is survived by her four children; Tony Perry (Laurie) of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Leeann Saputo (Russell) of East Jordan, Michigan, Mark Perry (Dorothy) of Boyne City, Michigan, and Kristine Gracey (Bill) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Larry Gutzman (Artie); two nieces; one nephew; and 6 great-nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 11:30 am at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 601 Montano Road NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107. Please visit our online guestbook for Frankie at

www.FrenchFunerals.com.