Frances Beall Shoemaker

Frances Beall Shoemaker Passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2008, in Santa Cruz, CA, at the age of 84. Frances was born September 7, 1923, in Fresno, CA to Albert and Marion Beall. After the family moved to San Jose, she attended Trace Elementary, Hoover Junior High, and graduated from San Jose High School. She met Robert Shoemaker, of San Francisco, while a student at UC Berkeley. They married in 1943, prior to Robert leaving for duty as a fighter pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II. It was at Berkeley that fellow members of Delta Gamma sorority gave her the nickname of "Frantic Frannie", and this name was painted onto the nose of Robert's P-38 fighter plane. Robert and Frances were reunited 1 1/2 years later and continued with their educations at Berkeley with Frances graduating with a degree in Sociology. They made their home in San Jose's Rosegarden area where they raised their three children. After the children were grown, Robert and Frances lived in Saratoga and Aptos before settling in Soquel, CA. Frances was active in several organizations. She was a past president of the San Jose Chapter of P.E.O. and a past president of Reciprocity. She was also a member of the San Jose Auxiliary to the Children's Hospital at Stanford (now Lucille Packard). She was a member of the Cupertino De Oro Club and supported the Artists in Residence Program at Villa Montalvo. She and Robert were also members of La Rinconada Country Club in Los Gatos before moving to the coast. Frances enjoyed music, dancing, crafts and entertaining. She played the piano all her life and gave piano lessons to children and adults. Her interest in music led her to dancing at Arthur Murray's Dance Studio where she became an accomplished dancer. She was also fond of entertaining family and friends, and enjoyed producing wonderful parties with an artistic flair. Frances was a kind, gentle and loving woman. She adored her family and they, in turn, adored her. She was a friend to many, had a delightful sense of humor, and was incredibly generous in spirit. She was truly one of a kind and will be missed beyond what words can convey. Frances is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Robert Shoemaker of Soquel, CA. Additionally, she is survived by her three children: Stephen Shoemaker of Soquel, Roberta Shoemaker of Soquel, and James Shoemaker of San Mateo. Stephen's wife, Patti, and James' wife, Cecille, were also cherished as daughters by Frances. Frances is also survived by four grandchildren: Ryan Shoemaker of Sacramento, Eric Gschweng of Los Angeles, Nic Gschweng of Stockton, and Casey Shoemaker of Pacific Beach. Frances had two great grandsons: Isaiah Shoemaker and Ayden Robert Shoemaker, both of Sacramento. Frances was also very fond of Ryan's wife, Emily Shoemaker, the mother of her great grandsons. Her two sisters survive Frances: Nancy McGann of Los Altos Hills and Alberta Munger of Los Altos. Her cousin, Margaret Chrisman of Saratoga, preceded her in death this year. In addition, Frances was very fond of her many nieces and nephews and their families. A celebration of Frances' life will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 11 a.m., at Oak Hill Memorial Park, Chapel of Roses, 300 Curtner Ave., San Jose, CA.