Frances Elizabeth Gavlik Hoover

(née Gavlik)

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP

Frances E. Hoover grew up in Ambridge with her parents, Seigmund A. and Anna (née Hertnecky) Gavlik, and her sister and best friend, Carol (Jack) King. After graduating from Penn Hall in Chambersburg, Fran worked as a secretary at Penn State, where she met Lewis J. Hoover; thus began a partnership of love, joy, and mutual respect lasting more than 60 years. Over the years they would have a summer home in Rehoboth Beach and spend winters in Naples, FL; cruise Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and Alaska; travel to Paris, London, Rome, and throughout the U.S. But home base was 15 acres outside of Saxonburg, where they raised four children and where Fran was in charge of logistics for piano, trumpet, and recorder concerts; horse shows; chorus concerts, marching band, and majorettes; school field trips and summer vacations; and a series of pets. After her children left home she channeled her creativity into painting; her oils, pastels, and watercolors, which she signed “Francesca,” won many competitions and now hang in homes throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. She was a fully involved grandmother, playing dress-up and having tea; attending football, baseball, and lacrosse games and wrestling matches; flying to North Carolina and Key Largo for birthdays. Fran survived the death of her parents and her sister. When their daughter Cindy died, she and Lew showed us how to cherish her memory by cherishing each other. Fran leaves her husband; their children, Kip (Lynne) Hoover, Judith Hoover (Timothy Grant), and Lisa (Keith) Hinchberger; grandchildren Sophia, Brendan, and Kyle; and many relatives and dear friends. She was Francie, Frankie, Frances, Francesca; Mother and Aunt Fran; Flying Frammie, Mimi, Patti. She was an artist, a storyteller, a confidante, and a baker of outrageously wonderful apple pies. She taught us to take every opportunity, try every delicious experience, never say no to adventure. She grabbed all she could from life and shared the best parts with her family and friends: her beauty, generosity, laughter, daring, bravery, grace, constancy, and love. We are so grateful she was ours.

She passed on July 11, 2013 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. In honor of her wishes, cremation arrangements are by SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Rochester, 724-728-2456. A Celebration of Life Service is being planned for a later date to be held at Sherwood Oaks of Cranberry. Online condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com