Frances has been actively involved in the troop support movement in this area since 1991. We have watched this amazing woman, who despite health issues attended every homecoming, parade, care packaging, memorial, you name it, that her body would allow her to. Frances was someone whose whole being and spirit emanated “giving and caring”. At welcome homecomings she always presented a special coin for our troops to carry with them and she had deeply sincere and heartfelt words for each one of them. It was always delivered in a manner in which we know each one of them felt and remember -- very much heart-to-heart dialogue.
Frances was involved in many different volunteer activities throughout the area and created lasting friendships along the way. Her friendship was deeply valued and appreciated by all. This small, yet powerful woman epitomized the SPIRIT of GIVING to the community. Her name and picture weren’t spread across the newspaper, and she wasn’t one who you would see at all the community awards banquets. But her giving came from who she was and what she strongly believed in. It is a shame that without knowing her directly, our local community, the global community and the community of humankind has lost a wonderful, wonderful ambassador.
Frances has passed the torch to each of us now. Her legacy to us should be “Our Call to Service”. We all need to “step up”, follow in her footsteps and continue her good work within our community. A few hours or more a month can make such a difference in the lives of others and we know that would make Frannie very, very happy.
There’s not a doubt in our minds that as Frances left us, the handsome Marines who guard heaven’s gate were there to greet her. They opened that gate wide and without hesitation for this great lady, and once inside we're certain that she was greeted by her beloved husband and lots of fallen heroes who wanted to be sure that she received the "Welcome Homecoming" she so rightly deserved. We know in our hearts that Frances is going to be spending her time in heaven doing a lot of hugging of every Veteran who is there, and she'll be first in line to Welcome Home each new hero as they arrive, and that’s not a bad way to spend eternity!
We’ll always love you and miss you so much Frances - be assured that your spirit of caring will live on in each of us!
Betty Egbert
Betty left us Sunday morning April 18, 2010. She was a very special lady, friend, and U.S.Army Major and nurse who brought great love, compassion and care to many young men during a critical time in their young lives, while serving in Desert Storm and Iraq, and as a nurse at Kadlec Hospital. She was truly an angel on earth and now we know she's once again in the arms of her amazing Mother Francis and is being cared for by the Veterans she so lovingly cared for during her time here on earth.
