Frances B. Stocking

Frances Stocking Youth A proud native Virginian - She is the 9th great granddaughter of Pocahontas and John Rolfe Received a degree in Sociology from William and Mary in Williamsburg, then moved back home to Norfolk A Yankee officer on the USS New Jersey sailed into the port at Norfolk, and the love story of Frances and Don began They were married on October 30, 1954. She always recalled trick-or-treaters coming to their door as she was walking down the stairs in her wedding gown. Their mouths dropped open and they exclaimed, “That is the best costume ever!”” The newlyweds moved to Buffalo, NY, where their son Tom was born 3 1/2 years later. Soon they moved to New Jersey, where Carol was born. Don got a job offer in California, and he promised Frances he would take her home every other summer - a promise he kept as long as they were able to travel. Raising Children Frances and Don shared their love with two foster children, while modeling this love for their own children Six year-old Cathy lived with them for 1 ½ years in the mid-1960’s. This was her 3rd foster home. Tom and Carol remember the rare excitement of occasionally finding change in the coin return of public phones (something kids today do NOT understand!) This tradition continued when Cathy came to live with them. Tom and Carol were so confused the way Cathy ALWAYS seemed to find change in the coin return. Sometimes even after it had been checked by Tom or Carol. Frances simply started keeping a closer eye on her pocketbook. One day Cathy came home from school with an almost new pair of tap shoes she had “found” on the way home. Frances taught her about honesty and made her take them back to the principal to be returned to the lost and found. Two months later, she taught her about love, when she enrolled Cathy and Carol in a tap dance class and Cathy was able to have her own tap shoes. Nine year-old Kenny came to live with them in the early 1970’s for a year. Frances would hold him in tears every time his mom, sister, and brother would leave after a visit. It was hard to understand why “looking like his father” made him the child his mother no longer wanted. Frances showed him what a mother’s love was meant to be. The family always loved the Dodgers and were lucky enough to use Don’s 4 company seats on the club level a handful of times each season. There are many happy memories during of the days of Steve Garvey, Davy Lopes, Ron Cey, and Bill Russell. They would get to the stadium early so Frances, Don, and Carol could eat at the Stadium Club restaurant before the game. Tom preferred to get a hot dog and sit in the seats watching the players warm up. Mom, always being frugal, was glad she had one child who liked a bargain! A few years later, Fernando Valenzuela came on the scene. Frances was a huge fan and kept a large pin with his face on it on her purse. Tom was dating Carol at this time and won her over for life when he gave her a Fernando Valenzula poster which was on her bedroom door for years. Don, being a loving and good-natured fellow, never complained. Adult Children/Grandchildren Family was most important to Frances and days spent together were her fondest memories Travel - Frances was not a big traveler and preferred being at home. Don realized the only way he was going to be able to travel with his wife was to take the entire family along. This led to wonderful cruising adventures in Alaska and the Caribbean - Frances loved playing Bingo with the grandchildren. A few trips to the east coast to visit extended family, tying in some historical tours. There were two wonderful trips to Hawaii. Thanks Grandma!!! Holidays - Frances looked forward to these celebrations and would talk about them for several days afterward. Carol and (daughter-in-law) Birgitta, soon learned that Frances and (son-in law) Tom could never be seated next to each other at the table. It didn’t matter what the table decor was - Pilgrims, Indians, reindeer, bunnies, etc - the two of them would always walk them across the table where the inanimate objects would get involved in a silly conversation of some kind. (They still found a way, even when not sitting together) Grandchildren - Frances and Don could often be found in the stands, bleachers, or audience of events their grandchildren were involved in. Whether it be basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, lacrosse, Irish dance, or school events Frances was always there and loved loving them. Other Thoughts Frances was always a child at heart which made gift buying pretty easy! She didn’t want expensive jewelry or cars. She preferred more childlike things. For many years, she decorated with frogs. No one knows why, she just thought they were cute. Then it switched to ducks, she was so excited when her Grandson, Jeff, became a Duck at the University of Oregon! Her most recent loves, as you all know, were Mickey and Minnie. Meggan (granddaughter-in-law), worked on the Disney Shanghai opening and brought her back a Shanghai Mickey and it was suggested she tie it to her walker. Then came Paris Mikey, 60th anniversary Mickey, and one of the residents at Park Terrace suggested she needed a Minnie too! That was the only thing on her Christmas list that year. She was so excited when small children would stop their Moms so they could say hello to Mickey and Minnie. It was beautiful how a walker was not a barrier between generations, but rather a connection. . Frances was always positive and brought joy and kindness wherever she went (but she DID like in on the latest gossip! - just ask Virginia) After every doctor’s appointment, dinner out, or trip to the store, she would always say, “Those folks were all SO nice!” We all knew the people she came in contact with were a reflection of the love and joy that emanated from her. Survived by: Husband - Don Children - Tom and wife, Birgitta Carol and husband, Tom Grandchildren - Tim, Adrienne, Jeff and wife Meggan, Matt and wife Tawny, and Sarah Great Grandchildren - “Timmy” and Abby We have Brother Tom and Husband Tom, Big Tim and Little Tim!

Frances B. Stocking

July 5, 1930 - November 16, 2022

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Frances B. Stocking

July 5, 1930 - November 16, 2022

COVID-19

Flowers & Gifts

Grief & Healing

Our Services

About Us

Obituaries

What We Do

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365 Days of Grief Support