D. Marian Franck, 83, of Willow Street, passed away on July 11, 2020. She was the loving wife of the late William Norman “Norm” Franck, Jr.
Born in Gatchelville, York County, PA, she was the daughter of the late Howard S. and Dorothy (Reading) Fitzgerald.
After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education at West Chester University in West Chester, PA, and Master’s Degree in both Physical Education and High School Administration from Springfield University in Massachusetts, she spent her career as a teacher at McCaskey High School in Lancaster. Her love of water sports and gymnastics shaped her career. Her students performed water ballets, swam distance competitions, and went to many gymnastic competitions. Her talent for reaching out to teens and her esteemed competence in the science of physical education earned her many awards including the National Teacher of the Year and a place in The Sturzebecker Hall of Fame at West Chester University. Many of her students became life-long friends.
In her spare time, Marian enjoyed sailing as well as serving in a variety of community service initiatives. In her younger years, she enjoyed coaching gymnastics at J.P. McCaskey High School and at the Lancaster Recreation Commission with her husband Norm. They shared a life-long interest in the Miles River Sail and Power Squadron and were very active in the St. Michaels Yacht Club. Marian continued teaching until her move to Willow Valley; sailing, swimming, and water safety were her passions.
Marian grew up in a Methodist parsonage with eight other siblings. Being one of nine children, her “coaching” opportunities appeared quickly. Of the six brothers and three sisters who shared those series of parsonages, five are predeceased. Her remaining siblings include Mae Davis, Ravenna, Ohio; Carl Fitzgerald (Irene, deceased), Doylestown, PA; Louise Zawislak wife of Walter, Seaford, DE.
A Graveside Service will be held at a later date in Prospect Hill Cemetery in York, PA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Marian’s memory to: First United Methodist Church, 29 E. Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.
Jeffrey Fitzgerald
Aunt Marian, you will be missed here but you are in heaven celebrating Jesus love with many of your family. I am sure you are glad to be active again.
Wanda Whare
I knew Mrs. Franck as a leader of our church youth group , high school gym and swim teacher, and, in later years, as a member of our Sunday school class.
She was devoted to her “kids” and was an inspiration and guiding force for all of us who knew her.
She will be greatly missed.
Lori Galen Fuchs
Sending sincere sympathy. Mrs Franck was my teacher at MCaskey – I remember her so well and very fondly.
Timothy Benton
I knew both for many years.
I’ll miss both people.
I’ve known them since 1968.
Tim Benton
Susan McMillanGamber
Mrs. Frank was my teacher at McCaskey and Youth Advisor at First United Methodist. She and her husband were very dedicated to youth in Lancaster. They hold a special place in my heart and many memories during Mateen years.
Kim Mann Schaefer
Marian was a very dedicated teacher and coach. She left an impact on her department and students. Job well done, Marian!
Bill Thompson
Fond memories of working with Norm and Marion with our senior high youth group back in the 70s when I was associate pastor at First Church.
David Kerr
Both Marion and Norm had a major impact on my life as leaders of out Church Group. Though I never had her as a teacher at McCaskey she would look out for her kids from Church every day to make sure we were doing OK. I was blessed to continue our friendship into my adult life. Both Marian and Norm were spiritual mentors and always there when I needed to discuss anyone to listen. I will always be grateful. Rest with Jesus and Norm Marion. My love to you both.
Chris Yunginger Hess
Mrs Franck helped to shape a lifetime of self discipline and motivation as it relates to exercise and well being. She was a tough coach but I’ve come to appreciate what she taught me. Thank you Mrs Franck… rest well.
Mary Gigliotti
So sorry to hear about Marian passing. She was a colleague and a consummate professional.
Blessings to the family
Martha Adams
Both of our children, now grown with children of their own, very much enjoyed Youth Group at First Church . Both Norm and Marian were special influences in their lives, and Norm and Marian’s Christian witness meant a lot to them and to me!
Doncook
Marian was one of the finest persons in every way that, I have ever met
I had the privilege of working with her on the Safe Boating for Kids program in Talbot County MD. Marian’ originated this program 17 years ago and over 5000 7th graders completed the course.
Marian was also a friend who was ready to help anyone in need as she was to me when my wife passed away.
Susan Brady
I have heard many stories of Marian’s ability to inspire, lead, and organize people (and large groups of middle-schoolers!) in her work with the Power Squadron and water safety. She recognized immediately that my father had that same love of teaching and spirit of giving back, and recruited him to help her make the Eastern Shore a safer place for children. Her kindness and generosity of time and spirit even in her retirement seemed boundless, so it is difficult to imagine a world without her in it. Our family was lucky enough to meet her through her friendship with both of my parents. She had that rare ability to recognize need and to offer her help without the recipient even needing to ask. We will never know how many lives were saved, she will be greatly missed by so many!
chris veronis
Saw Mrs. Frank’s obit on facebook and it brought back so many memories. I was a synchronized swimmer at McCaskey back in the late 1970s. I cannot begin to tell you how many excuses I gave to get out of some practice or another. Not a one of them worked. She was a legend at McCaskey and she will be missed. Prayers for all who loved and admired Mrs. Frank.
Marge Lego Trout
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members and many friends of Marian in her passing. My memories of Marion takes me back to Altoona, Pa when we were classmates at Keith Junior High School . Then again when teaching HPE in the Lancaster School District as well as our Red Cross days in water safety instructors courses. She and “Norm” had a wonderful life together and now they are both at peace.
Amy & Craig Mattes
Our warm thoughts and remembrance of Marian. I enjoyed her kind welcome the times I visited her with her sister and my stepmom, Louise and father Wally Zawislak. Praying for God’s peace during this time of celebrating her life and memory.
Libby C Thode
I am so sorry to hear about both Norm and Marian but rejoice as they are with Jesus. I first learned synchronized swimming from Marian as a child and later gymnastics at the recreation commission and JP Mc Caskey High. And was one of her students. Even though I lost touch with them later in life I will never forget them and the love and support they provided for me as a team member and student. Thank you and hats off to Norm and Marian!! Thank you for your prayers! They worked!
Sue Roslevege
So sad to hear about Marian. She is back with Norm and smiling above us all.
I had the pleasure of working with Marian for many years in PSAAHPERD. (Our state Health and Physical Education association.) Marian’s influence is so far reaching Not ONLY in Pennsylvania but also in the country. She was a total professional. Her influence lives on in every PE class!!
Heather Dighe
We offer our condolences to family and friends of Mrs. Franck. We appreciate her and her husband’s service to the Lancaster Recreation Commission- and no doubt the countless children they provided coaching and joy. Her passion for health inspires us. Sincerely- the Lancaster Rec Family
Linda Miller
My name is Linda Miller. I have known Marian for thirty years. Steadfast and true to Health and Physical Education Marian was pivotal in influencing my involvement in various programs and organizations in Health and Physical Education. I always thought Marian was on the cutting edge of what was to come even as time passed. There were a few decades between Marian and I, we still talked the same talk and walked the same walk as professional friends. Marian had pride in staying updated.
Marian is an icon to all Health and Physical Education professionals. Marian gave heart and soul to her profession AND she motivated others to follow in her footsteps. Marian nurtured young professionals like me. And she was relentless in her enthusiasm to create wise and ambitious leaders in the profession. Marian lives on in all the lives she touched.
If I had to summarize Marian in some words or phrases fitting to my connections with her, I would say
Consummate professional, passionate advocate, and wise and sincere friend.
Aldine Owens
So sorry to hear about the passing of Marian and Norm we send are deepest condolences to the family I was one miss franks students way back in the days and can remember her telling me after I taken my swim test thathe I done so good I didn’t have to swim and could help her out on the side line can you say teacherso pet she was a great lady thanks for sharing her with us you will never be forgotten.
Constance Luttermoser
I was not a very smart/good student in High School. My sister always out shined me in every subject except gym. I loved Mrs. Frank because she made me feel special. She took the time to teach me how to swim even in those ugly swimsuits, she even told me that I was a better student then my sister. I will never forget her warm smile she would give me when we would see each other. I think she had a warm spot in her heart for the underdogs. Thanks for the great high school memories.
Marilyn Downing
I am a member of same church in St.Michaels, MD where Marian and Norm worshipped before returning to PA. I admired both of them so much for their dedication to the community through Habitat for Humanity and young people. Marian and I had much to share because she knew of my former neighbor, women’s track coach, Teri Jordan at Penn State Univ. My sympathies to her family in the loss of a loving sister. God Bless you all. Marilyn Downing
Twila Nahama
Marian and I crossed paths for the last 50 years. I too taught Physical Education, swimming and gymnastics. I have been very active in the Power Squadron for the last 30 years and spent a lot of time with the Frank’s in Lancaster and Miles River, District and National conferences. I learned so much working by her side for most of my life. She was an amazing woman and touched the lives of thousands of children. She will truly be missed.
Sharon Posey
I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family. I was a student at McCaskey – Class of 75 & had her for phys ed. I was also a graduate of West Chester State College. Her honor in the hall of fame at WCU was special.
Cheryl Sanders Nilson
With gratitude to God for the lives of Marian and Norm, and the investment they made in my life, as well as the lives of so many other teens.