Frances Louise Smith
July 20, 1929 ~ March 11, 2021 (age 91) 91 Years Old
Tribute
Frances Louise Collodi Berry Smith nee Richardson
Frances was with us from 1929 until 2021. She was 91 years of age at the time of her passing. She died of natural causes, enduring her last year of life under COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Her parents were Walter and Alice Pearl Richardson of Madera, California.
A child of the San Joaquin Valley, Frances was a graduate of Madera High School, and lived in Madera, Clovis, Fresno, and Los Angeles during her lifetime.
She had a varied career including running the family gas station and grocery store on Highway 99 (predating today’s interstate highway convenience stops), part owner of a restaurant on D Street, and working at the Madera Welfare Department and Valley Medical Center, and as a real estate agent. She also volunteered as a Girl Scout leader.
Frances strongly believed in the power of mind toward positive influence and force in all our lives, and that, as she passes, she will still be with us.
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
In her heart and mind, Frances was first and foremost an artist, enjoying painting sceneries that delighted herself and others. She loved camping in the mountains and being at the ocean. As an artist, she created as Francesca Sheridan until her hands and eyes failed her. Her buoyant spirit loved music, dancing, and laughing until the end.
Frances is survived by her five daughters, Deirdre, Dorian, Danielle, Melanie, and Lisa, youngest brother Paul Richardson, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her older sister and younger brother.
No services are planned at this time.
In lieu of flowers, her daughters request you donate to https://www.alivingtribute.org/.
Frances was with us from 1929 until 2021. She was 91 years of age at the time of her passing. She died of natural causes, enduring her last year of life under COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Her parents were Walter and Alice Pearl Richardson of Madera, California.
A child of the San Joaquin Valley, Frances was a graduate of Madera High School, and lived in Madera, Clovis, Fresno, and Los Angeles during her lifetime.
She had a varied career including running the family gas station and grocery store on Highway 99 (predating today’s interstate highway convenience stops), part owner of a restaurant on D Street, and working at the Madera Welfare Department and Valley Medical Center, and as a real estate agent. She also volunteered as a Girl Scout leader.
Frances strongly believed in the power of mind toward positive influence and force in all our lives, and that, as she passes, she will still be with us.
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
In her heart and mind, Frances was first and foremost an artist, enjoying painting sceneries that delighted herself and others. She loved camping in the mountains and being at the ocean. As an artist, she created as Francesca Sheridan until her hands and eyes failed her. Her buoyant spirit loved music, dancing, and laughing until the end.
Frances is survived by her five daughters, Deirdre, Dorian, Danielle, Melanie, and Lisa, youngest brother Paul Richardson, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her older sister and younger brother.
No services are planned at this time.
In lieu of flowers, her daughters request you donate to https://www.alivingtribute.org/.
Services
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