Frances R. Pierres Pahnke

Frances R. Pierres, nee Shalna, passed peacefully Nov. 23, 2011, at age 97 in Miami, FL. Born in Pittston, PA, on Sept. 11, 1914, Frances spent most of her long life in Chicago, Park Ridge, and Darien, IL before moving to Miami in 1999. Beloved wife of the late Albert J. Pierres and the late Walter L. Pahnke, dear sister of the late Anna Mae (late Stephen) Lack, she is survived by her devoted daughter, caregiver, and best friend, Susan E. Pierres, in Miami, FL; "favorite" nephews James (Jackie) Lack and Ronald (Carole) Lack; nieces Phyllis (late Bud) Wardean and Carol (William) Bardeleben; great- nieces Christine (David) Eckerson and Jennifer (David) Cushing in Florida; Abby (Christopher) Sweeney in Colorado; great-nephews Steve (Renee) Lack in California; Adam Lack and Aaron (Andrea) Lack; stepson Clarence (Marita) Pahnke in Texas, and many more great and great-great-nieces and nephews. Fran lived a full and happy life, beating breast cancer, strokes and numerous surgeries, until her heart finally succumbed. She was a cheerful trooper until the end, described by her cardiologists as a "pleasant" woman and "the closest thing to a miracle" one had ever seen. She will be greatly missed for her smiling warmth, generosity, and sense of humor. Services private. Interment St. Casimir Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. For information, call Lack & Sons Funeral Home (708) 430-5700.