Frances Amelia Mathews' Obituary
Frances "Frannie" Amelia Mathews
October 12, 1953 – April 25, 2026
Frances Amelia Mathews, known affectionately by many as Frannie, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, in Keaau, Hawaii, at the age of 72.
Born on October 12, 1953, at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona, Frannie was the daughter of Colonel James William Mathews and Gloria (Luquette) Mathews. As the daughter of an Air Force officer, her childhood was a whirlwind of new horizons, with her family stationed in Arizona, Alabama, Kansas, and Okinawa, Japan. These early experiences instilled in her a lifelong sense of independence and adaptability.
At 18, Frannie followed her adventurous spirit to California, where she initially worked in the library at UC Berkeley. In 1975, she followed in her father’s footsteps by joining the United States Air Force. Serving as a Personnel Specialist until her honorable discharge in 1979, she utilized her immeasurable organizational skills to serve her country with pride.
Upon leaving the service, Frannie returned to California and took a job as a mail carrier. She often described this period as a particularly challenging time, but it proved to be a pivotal one; the experience persuaded her to further her education and find her true calling. Using her GI Bill, she attended California State University, Northridge, where she earned her degree in Social Work.
This led to her celebrated 20-year career at the Dunoff Center for Child Development in Los Angeles. Frannie was a fierce advocate for underserved children, using her keen eye for detail and immense empathy to ensure they received the care and services they deserved. She truly loved every minute of her work there.
In 2006, Frannie moved to Springfield, Louisiana, to care for her mother. She cherished these years, often describing them as "the best time with Mama." Her devotion ensured her mother could enjoy her final years at home, kept "ship-shape" by Frannie’s capable hands. In 2019, Frannie made her final big move to Hawaii to be near her niece. There, she found peace in the rhythm of the island, spending her Saturdays by the water, watching for sea turtles in the surf.
Frannie was a creative soul—a writer, a sketch artist, and a talented cook. A "bleeding heart Democrat" and a proud veteran, she spent her life fighting for social justice and the disenfranchised. She had a sharp intelligence and a legendary sense of humor that endeared her to a wide circle of lifelong friends.
She was a lover of film, a dedicated Jeopardy! viewer, and a fan of crime and law mysteries. Her home was never complete without a companion; she leaves behind memories of her beloved dog, Lloyd, and her Hawaiian cat, Cutty Sarks.
Family
Frannie was preceded in death by her parents, James and Gloria; her brother, Tom Mathews; and her sister, Pamela Mayo.
She is survived by her brother, James Mathews; her nieces, Erica Vesely and Maria Wacker; and her nephew, Brian Mathews.
Services
The family will honor Frannie’s life with a private seaside memorial, where her remains will be released into the ocean she so loved.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the many caregivers who provided Frannie with excellent care and compassion over the years.
"When the tree of life is growing, where the spirit never dies, and the bright light of salvation shines, in dark and empty skies." — Bob Dylan
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