Anne Franko

Anne Franko, of Arlington, Virginia, passed away on December 8, 2016, her 95th birthday. She was born in Youngstown, Ohio, the youngest of four children, to parents from Eastern Europe. Anne was ahead of her time, working as a waitress, secretary and, in her later years, as a jewelry sales representative. She attended Youngstown College, where she learned short-hand, a skill she used throughout her life.

Her greatest joy was in raising her children and loving her grandchildren, family, and friends. She was a source of strength, love and wisdom for her son Ron (Karen) and daughter Sara (Mark); and grandchildren Lisa (Allen), Ronnie (Courtney), Jasper, and Robbie. She leaves behind many others she loved, including her sister Mary; companion Gaylord; nieces Theresa, Cecilia, and Mary Beth; nephews Andrew and Marty; sister-in-law Kathryn; great-grandchildren Austen, Dylan, Riley, and Cash; dear friend Cindy; and many grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Florence and Evan; brothers Eli and Steven; husband Stephen; and Ron’s father, Anthony. She felt each of their passings deeply, and looked to God for faith.

Anne loved the years she spent living near the Delaware shore and in Bowie, Maryland. She was lovingly cared for during her decade at Sunrise of Bluemont Park in Arlington. We will miss her every day, and find comfort in remembering her courage in adversity; love of God and each of us; joy in her passions of sewing, shopping, gardening, crocheting, and reading; her strong moral compass; and empathy and understanding of human frailty and failings.

A visitation will be held at Murphy’s Funeral Home in Arlington, Virginia, on Friday, December 16, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. A funeral service will follow from noon to 1:00 p.m., with the Reverend Justice Schunior presiding. A reception at Murphy’s will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Anne’s memory may be made to: the Holiday Gift Fund, c/o the Sunrise at Bluemont Park Resident Council, Elizabeth Kenny, Treasurer, 5910 Wilson Boulevard, #307, Arlington, VA 22205, to benefit the Sunrise staff; or the Virginia Hospital Foundation, 1701 North George Mason Drive, Arlington, VA 22205 [online at: https://www.virginiahospitalcenter.com/supportthehospital/default.aspx].