Frances Lynn Beale

Frances Lynn Beale, 64, of Russell, OH passed away on September 13th surrounded by her adoring family. Fran, which is what she liked to be called, was a bright light for everyone who was lucky enough to have known her, and they are devastated she is gone.

Fran is predeceased by her parents, Barbara N. Beale and R. Bruce Beale, and is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Nicholas Cashier, whom Fran met on a blind date at the Red Lobster, and with whom she shared a love of camping, boating on Lake Erie, and travel. Fran and Nick spent a year living in Northern Italy, after which they bought their current home in Russell, where they raised their children. Son Graham Cashier of Cincinnati OH, and daughter Sydney Cashier of Russell, OH, were the center of Fran’s world, and she was endlessly proud and admiring of them.

Fran is also survived by her sister, Betsy Beale of Los Angeles, CA, her nephew Muze Beale, also of Los Angeles, CA, her Aunt Arleen Damon of Rowley, MA and her beloved Australian Shepherd, Kate.

Born and raised in Cleveland Heights, Fran was a Midwest girl through and through. She graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1979 and went on to study at Drake University in Des Moines, IA where she formed lifelong friendships with her Gamma Phi Beta sorority sisters, who were a vital part of her life until the very end, and with whom she attended the 150th anniversary celebration of the sorority just last year. Fran earned a degree in Social Work in 1983, and spent the rest of her days putting that degree to great and wonderful use.

Fran was a social worker for 40 years. She initially devoted her career working with the mentally ill at several agencies including Hill House in Cleveland and Pathways in Mentor. Most recently she was a beloved case manager at Lake County Council on Aging where she helped elderly clients with whatever they needed. As if that wasn’t enough, Fran was also the legal guardian for many Clevelanders who didn’t have anyone else to look after them.

One of Fran’s doctors told her family that Fran would be so proud of the way they advocated for her in the hospital. Fran devoted her life to advocating for those who could not advocate for themselves, and clearly inspired all those around her to do the same.

Fran was a joy to be around. She loved to garden and cook and bake. She had a terrific sense of adventure and fun, and a wonderful sense of humor. Fran loved spending time outdoors. She explored all the parks near her home, and savored her summers on Hilton Head Island in SC. One of Fran’s many life goals was to visit all 63 National Parks with her family. She made it to 20 of them.

Fran had a playful, fashion-forward side. She loved shopping and was known for her extensive wardrobe, her collection of large purses and her love of postcards. Less known was her penchant for expensive skin care products, and it is no wonder that even in the hospital she looked radiant.

Fran was a thoughtful person who was interested in everyone, and everything, around her. She never missed a birthday or a special occasion, and was incredibly generous – in spirit and in gift-giving. She always knew what someone needed to lift their mood and make their life better, even when they didn’t. Holidays at Fran’s house – especially Christmas and Easter – were legendary affairs. She loved to travel and traveled extensively with her family, including two trips to Ethiopia where she joined younger sister, Betsy, who adopted her son from there.

Fran walked her dog every day, practiced yoga, ate healthy foods and never smoked. Her healthy lifestyle made it particularly shocking and devastating when earlier this year she developed a stroke brought on by an undiagnosed lung cancer.

Fran’s family would like to thank everyone who supported Fran over the past few months. Every act of kindness – the calls, texts, flowers, visits and meals – was deeply appreciated and made Fran feel loved. They would also like to thank the medical professionals who cared for Fran with great compassion, particularly the team at the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at the Cleveland Clinic, who fought so hard to keep her with us.

The family is in disbelief that someone so special could be gone, and their hearts ache with how much they will miss her. In lieu of flowers, they ask that you make a donation to the National Park Foundation, 1500 K St., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005

Funeral Services will be held, Saturday, September 20th at 3 pm at Brown-Forward, 17022 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Hts., OH 44120.

Friends may call at Brown-Forward, Friday, September 19th from 4-6pm.