Frances Helen Edwards-McWhirt

7/28/1918-8/23/2012

Frances McWhirt, the youngest of 8, was born to Nancy and Joseph Hutchinson in Bradley, OK on July 28, 1918. Coming to L.A. and Merced area in the ‘30s . . . hard times. Her father died when she was 17.

She worked at Woolworth’s and then the Merced Theater for 5 years. There she met and married the handsome head projectionist and then took care of their children, the rentals behind their home and a gift store on L Street. They later divorced and she was now a red-head working 3 jobs to support her children. She was a bookkeeper for many years.

Francis loved her family and was proud of her kids, doting on her grandchildren with sleepovers, special breakfasts and chocolate-chocolate cakes. She was known by her grandchildren as “Nonnie” she would have little ballerinas dance in her yard or they would watch Love Boat together. Whenever there was a need or crisis Mom was there ready to help.

It’s an understatement that she worked hard, was independent, responsible, honest and caring. She enjoyed music and dancing. She had the prettiest skin and enjoyed dressing up, putting on heels and splashing on 20 Carats or Tabu perfume. Frances loved, Sees candy, a good Old Fashion or a Coke.

She was hospitable to guests, enjoyed talking on the phone or visiting with family. She was the best speller in the family and she chronicled our lives through photos as we all complained about posing for them.

During holidays she would seal our presents extra securely with LOTS of scotch tape and was proud of her special turkey dressing.

She forever loved her dog who passed many years ago, Cindy.

Life is not complete without her. She suffered from dementia and passed away in assisted living in Lodi where she has resided for the last few years.

She is survived by daughters, Mary Edwards Haygood, Judy Reiter and Nancy Goad; grandchildren, Laura Haygood, Karan Walsh, Tim Goad, Catherine, Robert, and Paul Tilley, and Wayne, David, and Sian Goad; 9 great grandchildren; and her kitties.

A viewing will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B St., Merced, CA 95340 on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Services will be on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 12:00pm with burial to follow at Merced District Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.