Frances Louise Gratz-Searcy

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Visitation Schedule
Cathedral of St. Andrew
617 S Louisiana Street
Little Rock, AR  72201
Saturday, December 3, 2016
12 Noon
Service Schedule
Cathedral of St. Andrew
617 S Louisiana Street
Little Rock, AR  72201
Saturday, December 3, 2016
1:00 p.m.
Cemetery
Salem Cemetery
Arch Street Pike
Little Rock, AR  72206
Memorial Contributions
Our House
302 E Roosevelt Road
Little Rock, AR  72206


Maumelle Senior Wellness Center
550 Edgewood Drive
Maumelle, AR  72113


Pulaski County Master Gardeners
2901 W Roosevelt Road
Little Rock, AR  72204
Frances Louise Gratz-Searcy

of Maumelle, AR

November 11, 1924 - November 26, 2016

Fran Gratz Searcy was a warm and loving person, and she lit up the room wherever she went. She was born on November 11, 1924, and passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on November 26, 2016.

She was a passionate Master gardener, tap dancer, dog-lover, people person, and exceptional volunteer. Fran's interest in all religions led her to not only be a devout member of the Catholic Church, but she also took classes at the local synagogue.

One of her proudest accomplishments was being named 2016 Volunteer of the Year from the Arkansas Gerontological Society, chosen from many volunteers across the state. She volunteered for the Maumelle Wellness Center since their inception 11 years ago, both as a chef twice a month and as a porter weekly. She also volunteered monthly at Our House homeless shelter and at her church, the Cathedral of St. Andrew.

There is no doubt that Fran will be greatly missed by so many family and friends both in Arkansas and Maryland. She leaves behind her beloved family members: daughters, Linda Jaynes (Tom) and Cathy Brodsky (fiance - Paul Costanzo); step-daughter, Martha Searcy Rose; grandsons: David Lawrence Tucker, Randy Tucker, David Brodsky and Alex Brodsky (Maggie Mattu); only granddaughter, Rachel Brodsky; beloved nephew, Bennie Green; six great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; and many nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

Funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral of St. Andrew 617 Louisiana Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201, (501)374-2794 on Saturday, December 3rd at 1:00 P.M., with viewing at noon and burial immediately following the service at Salem Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, (501)455-5800.

Donations in Fran's memory can be made to any of the following: Our House, PO Box 34155, Little Rock, AR 72203 or online at www.ourhouseshelter.org; Maumelle Senior Wellness Center, 550 Edgewood Dr, Suite 400, Maumelle, AR 72113; or Pulaski County Master Gardeners, 2901 W Roosevelt Rd, Little Rock, AR 72204. Please note that donations are in memory of Fran Gratz Searcy.

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7 Condolence(s)
Tamara Haskin
Potomac,
Liked
Saturday, December 3, 2016

Fran- will be missed by all, she loved life, laughter & family!
Tamara, Richard, Stephen &Matt Haskin

Helen Hronas
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, December 2, 2016

Forgot to add to my message that, unfortunately, I will be out of town all weekend and will be unable to attend Fran's funeral.

Helen Hronas
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, December 2, 2016

Fran and I became good friends about 21 years ago when I became a master gardener and worked with her on the State Hospital project. We've traveled to many MG activities and trips, worked together at the Flower & Garden Show, and many other activities. One special trip was to P. Allen Smith's home and garden, and I'll always treasure a photo taken with the three of us. Fran never met a stranger, and she had a special wisdom that I valued. She was a real "live wire" and fun to be around. I was always amazed at the things she did, volunteering, tap dancing, gardening, at her age. And her Faith was a great example to those who knew her. I will miss her so much! May the Lord comfort her family, all of whom she loved dearly...

Jim and Beverly Alberson
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 1, 2016

Fran was a dear sweet lady. We came to know Fran through the Master Gardners -- Jim and she were in it together for 10 years. She was so kind and loving...always more interested in you than letting you be interested in her. She exemplified the love of Christ by her love for others. She will be missed in Maumelle, especially at the Senior Center and the AARP Chapter. We all "loved Fran". God Bless.

Jackie Kane
Kensington, MD
Liked
Wednesday, November 30, 2016

I knew Fran for the better part of 30+ years. She was a wonderful presence--twinkling eyes, quick humor and endless wisdom. We had many moments of laughter, shared Thanksgivings,visits with Pierre and endless mutual trust. She is and was "one of a kind"--the very best. My entire family sends their deepest sympathy for the loss of a strong, courageous woman we loved very much.

Tim Bartek
West Friendship, MD
Liked
Wednesday, November 30, 2016

I met Fran (who I always called “Francine”) in the late 70’s and we worked together for over 15 years. We stayed close friends ever since, as she was like a mother to me. She always exhibited her love and thoughtfulness for me and my family and many of our friends out East. Her high spirits, activeness and love for family and God will never be forgotten. I will miss my visits and phone call sessions with “Francine” and her wonderful smile but I am sure the Lord will provide for her to rest in peace.

Karen Clark
Campbellsville,
Liked
Sunday, November 27, 2016

Sorry for your loss. She was a special lady.