Frances Beyernheimer

Obituary of Frances Celilia Beyernheimer

                      “A mother holds her children’s hands for a while; their hearts forever.”

Frances Cecilia [Clark] Beyernheimer passed away peacefully Monday morning, March 27th with the love of her family surrounding her. She was 94 years young, and just weeks away from her 71st wedding anniversary. We were truly blessed to have shared such a long and loving life.

Fran was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the fifth and youngest child of George and Mary Ellen [Monaghan] Clark. Her sense of humor and natural independence was greatly influenced by growing up with her Irish immigrant grandmother. After being the only member of her family to graduate high school, she parlayed her experience as a lifeguard and swim team captain into a college scholarship which she promptly declined to instead follow her nurturing nature and enroll in an intensive nurse residency training program. After graduation, Frances enlisted in the Navy as a registered nurse and earned the distinction of Lieutenant Commander. While stationed at the Naval base in Portsmouth, VA,ssssssssssss her sparkling blue eyes and her uncanny ability to recall the lyrics of obscure old songs attracted the attention of a love struck ensign, John Beyernheimer. After a three month whirlwind courtship, the newlyweds moved to rural Long Island to start their lives together and raise what they hoped would be a large family.

Yes there was farm life with cows, chickens, goats, etc , and vegetable stands and tractors; and raising racehorses; and being a hospital nurse and briefly a school nurse; college classes and a stint in real estate; a post-retirement move to Florida and fulfilling her lifelong dream of visiting her grandmother’s home town of Belmullet, Ireland; and, oh yes, an unexpected election as PTA president. But no one would deny that family was the main love of Mom’s life. Whether it was her beloved sisters and brother who predeceased her, or  her children and husband, Frances selflessly rejoiced in the adventures and achievements of her family and friends. Among many other attributes, she will always be remembered for her sincerity, her kindness, her sparkling blue eyes, and her quick, honest laugh. Frannie lived her life with grace and compassion, all the while randomly breaking into song with the love of her life, to serenade the soundtrack of their children’s lives.

Frances is already missed by her husband of 70 years, John; daughters Elizabeth, Bonnie, and Marie; son Philip; eight grandchildren: Dylan, Carolyn, Kim, Patrick, Jonathan, Ashley, Christian and Jack; two great grandchildren: Odin and Leo Rose, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A private internment will be held on Tuesday, April 11th at Holy Cross Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St Jude.org.

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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Simplicity LowCountry Cremation & Burial Services Inc | North Charleston
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