Frances Fisk Wright

Frances Fiske Wright ("Grandma Frank"), 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 13th, 2025 in SeaTac, Washington after a long and fulfilling life. She was born in Miles City, Montana on December 20,1936, the second child in a family of five daughters to Edward Albert and Lona Belle Fiske (Vest). She lived in a sod home on their sheep farm and learned the art of true grit and perseverance, which followed her throughout her life.
Frances married and had three children, moving frequently throughout the West to follow work with her then-husband. Frances and her children then relocated to Seattle, Washington. It was there she met the love of her life, Murray Gordan Wright. The two were wed in 1966 in Coeur d'alene, Idaho and moved to Vashon Island together in 1966 where they happily raised Frances' children together, as Murray's children were already grown. Frances and Murray often brought their blended families together through memorable camping and houseboat trips. Frances was a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was sealed in the temple with her husband, Murray. Murray preceded her in death on April 6, 2002.
Frances' fondest memories were on Vashon Island. They had a 10 acre horse farm and raised many farm animals over the years. She was president of the local Saddle Club and one of the founding members of El Pondo Arena. She shared her horsemanship knowledge with her children too, her children spent many hours riding and participating in 4-H and competing in many county and state fairs.
During her time on Vashon, Frances also earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting in 1990 while commuting across the ferry and working as a CPA at ABC Records and tapes, Weisfield Jewelers/Valu Mart, Boeing, and Gene Juarez. Frances helped many on the island start businesses, including both of her sons, one of which started his business prior to graduating from high school.
Frances was a tenacious advocate for all children and showed her support. She was an elected school board member and ran the Booster Club for many years to raise funds for Vashon athletics. She could be heard hooting and hollering in the stands, cheering on her kids, grandkids, and many other youth she knew well. Our former and revered wrestling coach remembers her as a "fierce and loyal friend."
Frances' home was always open to young people, especially when in struggle. Her candid advice was not always appreciated in-the-moment but always hit home. Especially memorable was Frances saying to sleepy, teenage boys, "If you don't need the money enough to get up and go to work this morning, I do! You can get up, go, and give the money to me!" One young man Grandma Frank helped shared, "Frank helped save me from myself; she helped save my life." Another youth she supported felt a memorial of some kind in town would be befitting, as Frank was a 'force to be reckoned with' when it came to children. Many young people would say that some of the very best parties took place at Frank's house and parents were grateful for that safe haven.
She gave refuge to dozens of kids for anywhere between a few nights to a few years throughout the years. Eventually Frances got her foster license to be able to officially take-in these children in need.
Frances always had a huge heart for children, which in later years extended to her grandchildren. She and Murray were able to maintain part-time residences in both Quilcene and Grand Coulee, Washington to be close to their grandchildren while also snowbirding in Yuma, Arizona.
Frances is survived by her two children Sandy (Steve) Hood and Ernest 'Kirk' (Sarah) George; 9 grandchildren: Brian Lee Hood, Brittany (Pete) Cozza, Austin George, Collin George, Eris (Derek) Allen, Laura (TJ) Sween,
Garrett (Lily) George, Kayla (Ruslan) Kozodoy, and Emmett George; 10 great grandchildren; Siblings: Kathleen Cary, Patricia 'Tris' Goff, and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Brian Edward George, and her two sisters Barbara Richard and Norma Lundgren.
The family requests you please share fond memories you have of Frances' life here.
Frances will be celebrated on a later date TBD with a small gathering and time to share memories.