Mary Lou Frank

Mary Lou's life long love of learning about other cultures and histrories, and about world art and architecture, took her to many parts of the planet. These travels enriched her life, just as she enriched the lives of all who knew her. On July 9, 2023, she departed on her final journey from Rochester, NY, where she died at the age of 87, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Born to Della and George Andre August 12, 1935, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Mary Lou developed into a beautiful ray of sunshine. Before her marriage on April 7, 1956, to Allan Frank, she completed a program in pediatric nursing at St. Vincent in Chicago. When working as a nurse in the hospital, the patients called her "Mary sunshine." Little wonder, since all her life she shed optimism, love, compassion, and good humor on all those around her. Mary Lou exuded optimism, enthusiasm, and sparkle. Her husband has said " A room is never so empty as when Mary Lou leaves it."

Mary Lou and Allan created four beautiful children. David Allan, Mary Leigh, Steven George, and Beth Andrea. A devoted full time wife and mother. Mary Lou made family the center of her life, nothing had a higher priority. The result: Four loving, compassionate children and a husband who adored her. Only after her children were grown up did she pursue her own interests through travel.

Her devotion to family and friends and love of history led to her great interest in genealogy and to her extensive regular communications with those close to her. Mary Lou's compassion, wisdom, and willingness to listen were treasured by all she touched. She will be sorely missed. Mary Lou had a love of gardening and was blessed with a amazing green thumb; she loved all things bright and beautiful. Mary Lou delighted in all of the holidays and so enjoyed decorating for each of them; always beautiful and festive!

Mary Lou and Allan made homes in Wisconsin, Texas, Maryland, Rochester, NY and Asheville, NC and then back in Rochester, NY in 2016. Mary Lou's ashes will be interred with her husband's at Calvary Cemetery in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where they were both born.

Mary Lou is predeceased by her parents, George and Della Andre, her son, Steven Frank, and her sister, Rosemary Andre.

Mary Lou is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Allan Frank, adoring children David (Sue) Frank of Webster, Mary Leigh Frank of Rochester and Beth (Howard) Heffer of Irondequoit, beloved brother Steven (Linda) Andre of San Jose, CA, beloved brother in law Gerald (Barbara) Frank of Sheboygan, WI; and adoring step grandchildren Lucas Heffer of Rochester, and Jillian Tripple of Chesapeake, VA. Also many cherished & beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

All will cherish the memory of this extraordinary woman. With her departure the sun will never shine quite as brightly, nor will the world be nearly so full of love! It would be her wish that all the love she planted in the hearts of countless family and friends will be nurtured and spread by those she left behind.

At Mary Lou's request, there will be no formal ceremony or calling hours. A celebration of Mary Lou's life will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, 1 PM - 4 PM at the Village at Unity: Village Square, suites A&B.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the World Central Kitchen, the Audobon Society or a charity of your choice.