Frances Mabry LeCocq
December 06, 1926 - September 06, 2017
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Frances Mabry LeCocq
December 06, 1926 - September 06, 2017
Obituary
Frances Mabry LeCocq, age 90, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2017, surrounded by family at her home in Bellingham. She will always be remembered as a brilliant, gracious, and beautiful woman. Frances loved her family unconditionally, and will be greatly missed by her husband Irwin, daughter Janice, and son Charles, all of whom she gave the gift of learning through literature, music, and art.
Frances was born in Bellingham, WA on December 6, 1926, the daughter of Arthur Mabry. Arthur was a master mariner who sailed the world on passenger steam ships. Frances’ mother was Mabel Osgood, a school teacher at Roeder School.
Frances’ early childhood was spent on Eldridge Avenue in a large comfortable home overlooking Bellingham Bay. Her grandfather, George Osgood built the house with large windows that let the sunlight stream in. Frances often played in the park across the street. It still exists today – Carl Lobe Park.
In 1932, everything changed. The Great Depression caused the Mabrys to move to their farm on the Van Dyk Road in Lynden, WA out of economic necessity. There they started a new and much simpler life.
Frances attended Lynden High School. It was in Lynden that she met and fell in love with Irwin LeCocq.
By 1942, World War II was well underway. Like so many of the men in the Greatest Generation, Irwin enlisted and went to war in the South Pacific, leaving behind his love on her family’s farm. Frances wrote to Irwin each and every day he was away at war, giving him the single greatest gift she could during those difficult years. Her letters, although signed in the formal “Yours truly,” were filled with love and care. A love and care that sustained and nurtured Irwin while he was overseas, and continued through 70 years of marriage. Frances was the true iron hand in the silk glove: strong and enduring, compassionate and caring, loving and tender.
While Frances’ physical presence will be dearly missed, her spirit is with us as she continues to surround us with her love, her intensity of being, her understated elegance, and the light of her memory.
Memorial donations may be made to The Bellingham Festival of Music, http://bellinghamfestival.org, or to the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra, http://www.whatcomsymphony.com
12 responses to Frances Mabry LeCocq
Barbara and Lew Oliver says:
September 6, 2017
We had the privilege of meeting and being with your mother and father several times when they were visiting Jan and Greg. Your mother was a delightful and fine person. Both you and Jan have given them your care, love and devotion. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.Barbara and Lew Oliver
Barbara Lewis Morrison says:
September 6, 2017
Dear Janice, Chuck and Irwin,
Marilyn had told me Frances was not well and I have been thinking of you since that time. I just got the link to this beautifully written obituary and couldn’t think of better words to describe Frances. I loved reading how she wrote to Irwin every day during the war…Our parents were truly part of the Greatest Generation and I am sorry to see the last of them go. Frances was always so gracious and elegant, warm and interesting to talk to. I have many fond memories of growing up together and times we spent when we were at the cottage and you guys were across the bay. As our parents got older, I always enjoyed seeing the two of them–always charming and fun to be with…your mom was such a fashion plate too and I know our moms had a lot in common that way…
I send my deepest sympathies but know that dear Frances will be joining many of her dear friends who are already at what I call “the big cocktail party in the sky.” Might be a fantasy but it makes me feel better that they are all still with us in their spirit and our memories.
With love,
Barbara
p.s. My mom and your mom would probably not approve of sending condolences this way instead of a hand-written note, but I don’t have your address and wanted to get something off to you right away. We all know the “proper” way to do things, thanks to our moms. :-)
Margaret Hunter Sundseth says:
September 6, 2017
Janice and Charles,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. I remember her fondly at the cabin and in Lynden.
It’s hard losing a parent but a blessing to have so many good memories. My thoughts are with you.
With sympathy,
Meg (Eva’s daughter)
Karen Barniol says:
September 6, 2017
Fran was truly a lovely woman. She and Irwin inspired all with their beautiful relationship. My heart breaks for her family in this time of loss.My hope is that your happy memories will bring you comfort. Sincerely,
Karen Barniol – Fellow tennis player
Waltraud Wagner says:
September 6, 2017
Dear Irvin
Just learned from Pat that Frances has left us. I always felt so comfortable in her company. Still remember the trip to Spokane we took in 1971. My parents have wonderful memories of Grances when she visited them in Nürnberg as well as when they had the chace to visit you in Lynden. We will never forget her and are with you in those difficult days.
What a chance to have known her.
With love
Waltraud , Frieder, Reiner and Hilde