Frances C. Lavin

(Nee McMahon) Found peace with Blarney stone and rosary in hand, surrounded by her family, on May 11, 2022, at the age of 87. Loving wife of 61 years to the late Patrick W. Lavin. She was the best mother in the world to Colleen (George) Alex, Brian (Jane) Lavin, Sheila (Michael) Gardner, Monica (Tom) Doeden. Awesome “Nanny” to Maggie (Ben) Latendresse, Shannon Alex, Catherine (Harry) Hopkins, Molly (John) Nelson, Charles Lavin, Anna Gardner, Erin Gardner, Meghan Gardner and “Great Nanny” to Joanie and Leo Hopkins, Marshall and Isaac Latendresse. Reunited in Heaven with her parents Henry and Elizabeth McMahon and Siblings: Art, Lucy, Berenice, Harry, Anne, Mary Jane, Roberta, and Patrick as well as many, many dear friends.

Fran attended St. Bernard grade school, Pius XI High School, and St Francis School of Nursing. She loved her work as a geriatric nurse, living a selfless life of love and sacrifice for others. Fran lived by example teaching us faith, action, and kindness. A big part of her life was volunteering. She volunteered with Christ Child Society, Ronald McDonald House, St. Ben’s, and St. Mary’s outreach activities. When you were with Fran, you knew you were loved. She exuded warmth, kindness, and joy.

Fran’s love language was Acts of Service – She always showed up. She cooked and she fed people. There was always a homemade pot of soup or lasagna for anyone who needed it. She had the gift of bringing people together often through parties and celebrations. Whether it was a holiday party, birthday party, hosting friends at home, or gathering of the Gourmet or Croquet Clubs, she loved a good celebration. She always made time to celebrate the accomplishments of others and relished being “with her people”. Fran also treasured her one-on-one conversations over a simple cup of coffee or tea. She was known for her great big hugs, her beautiful smile, and her ballet lessons at parties.

Fran was a faith-filled, loving mother with a fierce dedication to family. Faith was a big part of her life. “Put it in the lap of the Lord” she would say. She loved her husband, her children, and grandchildren immensely. There was always room on her lap for another grandchild. She was an advocate, defender, was always present, and proud of us all. Per her great-grandson Marshall, “She was the perfect Nanny just the way she was.”

A testament to her beautiful life and love of family is told through the memories of her grandchildren. We know that Nanny loved us "A bushel and a peck.” We loved having pink cookies at Nanny’s. We would play dress up with the old-fashioned dresses and Nanny’s clip on earrings, and we felt very fancy walking around the house. There were always snacks in the snack drawer. Nanny was always up for an air hockey game. She was loving, joyful, and kind-hearted. We loved playing croquet and having picnics in the backyard. We loved playing a good game of Solitaire, Monopoly or Old Maid with Nanny. Knock on the Door- Peak In or Here’s the Church/ Here’s the Steeple Open the Door See all the People. We loved making candy and treats with Nanny- chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate dipped Pringles, Fairy Food, and turtles- and sometimes sneaking some. Nanny always had snacks and a little water bottle in her purse just in case we needed them. We loved to go with Nanny to feed the ducks at the Circle Drive Pond. We loved walking to RJs in Elm Grove for a turtle sundae. I loved how Nanny liked to wear a fabulous hat to any occasion. Before a photo, instead of saying “Cheese,” you could always count on Nanny to say- “Everybody say…Sh**!

Gathering at St Mary’s Visitation Catholic Parish, 1260 Church Street, Elm Grove, WI 53122, on Monday, May 16, 2022, 930AM-1045AM. Eulogy at 1045AM. Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Employee Appreciation Fund at The Congregational Home or Legacy Hospice. A special thank you to Gina and the staff at The Congregational Home and Aleah and the staff at Legacy Hospice for all their dedication and care.

The world could use more Francies - a kind, beautiful, and compassionate soul.

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