July 26, 1942 – December 27, 2019

Patricia (Charlie/Patti) Franks, of Sylvan Lake, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt to a large extended family. She had many lifelong friendships and was adored by all who knew her during 77 years of life. She always had the most beautiful smile on her face and this light was dimmed on December 27, 2019 when she passed peacefully surrounded by family.

She was born in Detroit to Fred and Irene Weston on July 26, 1942 and received an Occupational Therapy degree from Wayne State University in 1965. After leaving this career to be a stay-at-home mom, she helped found and operate five bookstores in the Detroit area for over two decades. She was also the beloved wife for 56 years of Cass Franks. She and Cass raised their family in Shelby Township, where they were very active in their community for 50 years and later moved to Sylvan Lake to be near their daughter Julie and her growing family. All 8 of their grandchildren were a very special part of Grandma Franks’ life and they all proclaim that they will continue to be influenced by her strength, charitable personality and love as they build their own lives and families.

When asked, Cass declares “I have been the luckiest man alive during 58 years of courtship and marriage to Pat. We have great close friends and extended families, plus exceptional in-laws and grandkids. Pat has been my super wife, a superior co-business owner, and close friend to many, many people. She volunteered extensively in school and community projects. We have shared many interests such as attending Detroit area and Canadian drama theaters, hiking and biking, tennis, snorkeling, and winter skiing…to name a few. We also shared a love for travel that included having all our kids camping in the woods before one year of age and family excursions into their adulthood. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at age 42, we traveled extensively with family and friends throughout the U.S., including hikes of the Grand Canyon and numerous national parks, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Honduras, Bonaire, many European nations as well as the Great Wall of China. She was my constant companion, friend, and often my guide through both family and social experiences. She was once a beauty queen, a former state champion synchronized swimmer and professional water skier; and had a smile, as a friend once noted, that “lit up a room when she walked in.” Our family members regularly told her in words and print that her positive outlook and continued relishing of life, in spite of her disease, inspired them to move forward and gave them strength. In my case, she lit a flame in my heart that will never burn out.”

Her survivors include her husband Cass and her 3 children Glenn Franks (Karen), Ross Franks (Ann), and Julie Conkey (Rob); and 8 grandchildren Alec, Kellen, Morgan, Brenden, Carson, Jessica, Alexis and Trevor.

Celebration of Life on Sunday, December 29 from 3:00 – 9:00ish

Remembrances and Wishes to Heaven presentation at 5:00 pm

Food, beverages and cocktails will be served throughout the day

Location:

Sylvan Lake Community Center

2456 Pontiac Drive

Sylvan Lake, MI 48320

Please send deliveries to the following address as the Community Center is not staffed:

Julie Conkey
1437 Glenwood
Sylvan Lake, MI 48320

(248)496-2540

The family would also appreciate any donations go to the Parkinson’s Foundation in Patricia’s name. Donations can be made in her name at https://www.parkinson.org/ways-to-give or funds collected on-site Sunday will be donated by the family.

Offer Condolence for the family of Patricia Irene Franks