Frances Merino West

I met Frances when I was a kid, thru my father. They became friends while working together in many of the same civic activities. I took countless phone messages from Frances, and we'd chat a bit each call. While I was in college, my father's employer wanted to hire summer workers, with preference given to relatives of current employees. I was hired, and so was Phillip.

I will remember Frances as an elegant, impeccably dressed, whip-smart, outspoken, well-spoken, kind, funny, up-beat, socially adept woman who loved to dance. She inspired me, was a model of the woman I wanted to become. I am sorry for your loss, and for our community's loss. She made the world better while she was here. To honor her memory, we can all find some way to do a little more for our communities.