Friday, May 31, 2024
I met Frances in Heidelberg, Germany in the early seventies, both military wives, irreverent, with a distaste for frauds and a love of freedom - they were troubled times Viet Nam's withdrawal had begun we both knew and respected combat veterans and we had friends being levied with families divided in public opinion. Despite the turbulence Frances kept us on target with her wit, tenaciousness, simple love of people and belief of the good in all. We spent hours discussing books, music, art I showed her my Heidelberg where I'd moved to, studied and worked before marrying a servicemen while she educated me on the other side of America - the South!! She was the epitome of a southern belle but one who could surprise you with her "sparking verbal repartee' when the mood hit.
My favorite memories include our foodie habit of Sunday Wienerwald chicken followed by ice-cream while listening to Flip Wilson LPs or watching German dubbed Bonanza and howling with laughter! Sounds silly to some but when you're miles away from your home serving your country it is amazing what keeps your morale high and Frances was that special someone who could make all of us feel loved and never alone.
She visited me one evening and noticed that my copper kettle was horribly tarnished, giving me the Frances Fish Eye she asked for a soap pad and spent the rest of the night scouring the thing into fiery brilliance. with the reprimand charmingly delivered in a Georgia accent "I just could not bear to see such abuse!" Duly noted I now have a collection of copper and brass pots and pans shining Frances style and with gusto have for five decades polished them into a mirror-like sparkle. Despite being pioneers of the the women's movement in those days - we also enjoyed the comedy of domesticity as well.
Leaving Europe and friends like Frances to return to CONUS was hard - we shared so much laughter, tears, hard times on military pay but we'd found comfort, joy and the blessing of a friendship that despite the huge gaps in contract would last half a century. My deep condolences to David and the children. We were warrior women together. Knowing Frances was an honor and privilege; having her as a friend was a joy!. Love, Peace and Flowers. Mandy Johnson and family Annapolis, Maryland.
