Frances Virginia Gilbert Williams

1925 - 2016

FRANCES VIRGINIA
GILBERT WILLIAMS

Fran Williams of Redondo Beach, passed away on September 5 at the age of 91. She was born in Culver City, California to Richard "Fighting Dick" Gilbert and Anna Mahoney on February 4, 1925.
Fran was a woman who lived many lives: that of a child cherishing the magic of the lots at Hal Roach Studios, that of a widow with 3 young children to raise and later the wife of an avid sailor. She loved to create beautiful art including sculpture, photographs, mosaics, and silk screens. She tap danced up to the age of 91. She loved world travel and, to the day she died, managed her apartment building. Always resolute in the face of adversity, she served as a WAC during World War II and was a beacon of hope and help for GI's returning with wounds from overseas battles. She was generous to all as she was indelibly influenced by her days as a child during the Great Depression. An unbeatable spirit, when life beat her down, she got up again and tried something new.
Fran loved to laugh, dance, play bridge, read a good book, and discuss politics. Fran said 'people are the best thing we have in this world.' Above all, she found happiness in spending time with her family and friends, never failing to offer sage advice and assistance to her children, grandchildren, and her friends.
Her first husband, Earl M. Lombardi, her second husband, Irving K. Williams and her brother, Richard A. Gilbert, precede Fran in death.
Her legacy continues with her children Cathy Latty, Michael Lombard and Jeffrey Lombardi, her seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and a host of long-time friends.
Her funeral Mass will be at 1:00pm on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church, 1940 S Prospect Ave., Redondo Beach. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.