Ann R. Franco

FRANCO, Ann R. Ann Redington Franco died Sunday, (February 5, 2006) at Seal Rock Healthcare in Saco, ME, after a brief illness. She was born August 26, 1923 in San Mateo, CA, the daughter of Col. Laurence Redington and Josephine Parrott Redington. She received a BA in English from Lone Mountain College, now the University of San Francisco. Upon graduation, she moved to New York City where she worked briefly before marrying John E. Franco, MD. They later settled in West Hartford where she raised her family, was active in PTA, and worked at honing her writing skills. Many of her poems were published in the Hartford Times, Hartford Courant, and Kennebunk Star (now the York County Coast Star) among other newspapers. Her work was also published in Pen magazine and in the Wall Street Journal's "Pepper & Salt" feature. A short story, "Think Irish," was published in The Record magazine. Ann moved to Kennebunk in 1976 after spending summers there with her family since 1957. It was during her Maine summers that she published her book of poetry, "Pebbles on the Shore." In the 1980s and early 1990s, she wrote a column, GrandParenting, for MaineSay, a Guy Gannett Publication. George H. W. Bush was among the prominent people she sometimes interviewed for her column. Ann also served for many years as Editor of The Newsletter, a publication of the Senior Center at Lower Village in Kennebunk. Ann leaves her children: John of Kennebunkport; Larry and his wife Janine of Kennebunkport and Manchester, NH; Robert and his fiancee Ann Braken, MD of Hanover, NH, and Katherine Kenney and her husband Patrick of Suffield. She also leaves three cherished grandchildren: Addison Marsh, Jr. of Boston; Nathaniel Marsh of Suffield and Jenni Franco of Portsmouth, NH. She also leaves two step-grandchildren: Bevin Kenney of Cambridge, MA and Molly Kenney of New York City; a niece and nephew, Ruth Redington of Cambridge, MA and David Redington of New York. Additionally, Ann leaves beloved cousins, Donald Murchie and his wife Angela of Santa Monica, CA and William Parrott of Seattle, WA. A brother, John, and sister, Julia, died earlier. Ann's generous spirit was shared with a lifetime of cherished friends. She was more than curious – she was genuinely interested in every aspect of the lives of her family and friends. Ann enthusiastically shared our joys and when we hit a rough patch, she offered solace, refuge, and perhaps an instant light-hearted verse to help us through. As many young people as those closer to her age were drawn to her little home near the beach to enjoy her company. Her quick wit enlivened every occasion. We will sorely miss all that she added to our lives. Services will be private with Bibber Memorial Chapel in charge of arrangements. Per Ann's wishes, contributions can be made to St. Jude in her memory. These may be sent to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Those who wish may send condolences at www.bibberfuneral.com. Arrangements by Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043.