Lucy Woodward Franck of San Diego passed away at her home in Point Loma on October 20. She was born Lucy Whiting Thatcher to Everett and Tennie Thatcher in Schenectady, New York, and moved to San Diego with her family in 1945. She was a 1950 graduate of Point Loma High School. After a year at Pomona College, she married James ‘Jim’ Woodward in 1951. They bought a house in South Clairemont, where they raised two daughters. When both daughters started school, Lucy continued her education at San Diego State, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in urban planning (1974). While at SDSU, Lucy was inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s commencement address there in June 1963 and was active in the civil rights movement. After a divorce, Lucy married fellow planner George Franck in 1977. They lived in Mission Hills with George’s young daughter, moving to Point Loma in 1987.
Lucy began working in the San Diego County Planning Department as an intern, and was hired as a planner there in 1972. She evaluated proposals for development in the county and planned special projects in downtown and Santee. After a rewarding 29-year career, she retired in 2001. She so enjoyed her work and colleagues that she continued to work part-time on planning projects for another 13 years. In 2013, she was recognized as the County’s Volunteer of the Year.
Lucy will be remembered for her wonderful family get-togethers and holiday celebrations, her enthusiasm to try new recipes, her superb fashion sense, her interest in modern architecture, and most of all, her warmth, kindness, and generosity. She always enjoyed shopping with her daughters and granddaughters, going out to eat with her ladies-night-out friends, reading her Sunday newspapers, and watching the backyard birds (especially “Rusty Bird”). Her love of orchids, bromeliads, and epiphyllums meant there were always gorgeous flowers to admire in her home.
Lucy is survived by her husband, George Franck, her first husband, Jim Woodward, daughters Wendy Woodward, Debbie Woodward (John), and Haviland Franck; her brother, Jimmy Thatcher (Diana), lives in Austin, TX. Lucy has six grandchildren – Tenille (Jeff), Brandy (Josh), Michael, Kelley, Taylor, and Ian – and six great-grandchildren – Tori, Siena, Lucia, Jiles, Wyatt, and Niko. All love her very much and will treasure their many good memories of time spent with her.
Lucy was laid to rest on October 29 in a private family ceremony at the Glen Abbey Memorial Park. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to the San Diego River Park Foundation.
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