Obituary: Fleischauer, Frances Marie
She grew up in an Italian-speaking household with her Sicilian born parents Francesco and Sebastiana who were learning to speak English and adapt to life in America.
Frances shared many great times with her brothers Micheal, Joe “Pip,” and sister Conchetta “Jean.”
They loved to spend time at Steel Pier where they would attend big band dances that included prime entertainers of the day.
After graduation from Pierre S. DuPont High School, Frances worked part time as a receptionist and typist in a lawyer’s office.
She then went on to graduate from the New York School of Beauty, trained at the Salons of Helena Rubinstein, and Elizabeth Arden in New York, returning to Wilmington as a consultant and sales person.
In 1944, Frances married Donald Raymond Fleischauer (d. 2009) who was in the Army and stationed in North Carolina.
In 1946, Fran and Don moved to Spokane, Washington where they settled in Millwood and lived for over 60 years.
In Spokane, Fran was employed by the Crescent and Bon Marche’ department stores.
In later years, she was employed by Elks 228 as a part time hat check/ cashier.
Fran and Don started a family and raised two children, Donna Rae and Joseph Micheal.
Within a few years, her sister, Jean, moved “out west” to Spokane and married Bill Henry Hartmeyer.
She took her mother to Italy and to her family’s birth town in Sicily in 1965.
Fran’s Italian cooking, especially her spaghetti and meatballs, was a family favorite.
Fran was a nurturing mother who took very good care of her children and grandchildren.
She did her best to teach her children the value of honesty and hard work.
She loved her yearly trips to Banff and Lake Louise, dancing and big band music.
But mostly she loved being with her family.
She is survived by son Joseph Micheal Fleischauer, daughter Donna Rae Garlock her “pride and joy” grandsons Troy Alan Fleischauer and Christopher Tyler Garlock as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins from Oregon, Arizona, New Jersey, and New York.
Visitation will be Saturday, September 7th from noon to 4 pm at Hennessey Funeral Home located at 2203 N. Division St., Spokane, WA 99207.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am Monday, September 9th at Mary Queen Parish located at 3423 E. Carlisle, Spokane, WA.
A reception luncheon will follow mass.
Interment is at 2:30 pm at Pines Cemetery 1402 S. Pines Road in Spokane, WA.
Please sign Fran’s online memorial at: www.hennessey-smith.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to: