Mrs. Frances M. Dake's Obituary
Angels accompanied Frances Marie Dake, June 26th, 2020 as she made her long-awaited journey heavenward. Born to Russell and Bessie Bennett on June 21st, 1937 in Muskegon, Michigan, Fran was one of three children. When a red-haired neighbor boy, Frank Dake, spotted her at age 16, he told his father, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry”. Sixty-seven years of marriage later, they will temporarily part, but her beautiful essence will remain.
Fran graduated from Muskegon High School and from Peggy White’s beauty school. A lifelong Muskegon resident, she and Frank brought three sons into the world and raised them to be loving and kind. The boys and Frank were nourished by Fran’s delicious baking and tutored in cleanliness as she was a fastidious housekeeper. Fran had the flair of an interior designer and made each house that Frank built, home. From her days in beauty school, she took great pride in her complexion and clothing and despite her years of health struggles, always left home looking like a million. Fran’s fiery spirit allowed her to “go around” with the best of them. Reconciliation once involved one of her blueberry pies. Shopping was one of her favorite pastimes, coupons were her friends and she never met an Estate Sale she didn’t like.
Fran’s beloved family was devoted to her and watched with humor and pride as she stood strong in her convictions and opinions. They will miss her immensely, however, know that her goodness will be with them all the days of their lives.
Fran is survived by her husband, Frank of Norton Shores, sister Darlene Paquin (Jerry Paquin) of Norton Shores, sister, Lynn (Frank) Belke of Allendale, sister in law, Sue Bennett of Ravenna,step-brother, Ken (Diane) Berry, sons Lee Dake (Jennie Arguello) of Traverse City, Kevin Dake (Janet Merkins) of Muskegon, grandchildren Cherith Dake, Aaron Dake, Christy Finger, Jacob Dake, Alyson Orling, Sarah Haughn, Loren Haughn, Heidi Haughn-Palma and eleven great-grandchildren.
Fran was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Bessie Bennett, stepparents, Ray Strang and Bessie Bennett, brother Owen Bennett, and son Russell Dake.
A celebration of Fran's life will be held on June 30th, 3:00 p.m. outside under the south portico at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. The family will welcome visitors in groups of 10 inside the funeral home one-hour prior. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed.
Fran was a member of Calvary church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Kindred Hospice of Grand Rapids, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research, American Cancer Society.
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