Frances Pearo

Fran Pearo was a woman who lived her life with equal amounts of common sense and uncommon kindness. She had a very direct, outspoken personality, yet never failed to be supportive and compassionate to those around her. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and a friend to so many. Most of all, Fran was a woman who always took life in stride, and taught us to do the same. Frans story began on a cold winter day in 1924, in the little northern Michigan town of Luther. Those were such exciting times in this country, the heyday of the Roaring 20s, when Big Bands were king and Prohibition was the law of the land. On February 24, 1924, a cold, sunny Sunday in Luther, William and Mary (Bailor) Truman celebrated the birth of a beautiful baby girl, a daughter they named Frances Leota Truman. Frances was one of seven kids in the Truman family. Joining her were brothers Ken, Ray, Bill, Don and Harry, and sister Pauline. Eventually, the dark days of the Great Depression forced the family to move south to the Muskegon area, where her parents found work. Fran attended Muskegon Schools, graduating from Muskegon High School, and by the time Americas heroes were returning home victorious from World War II, she had grown into a beautiful young woman. One evening after the war was over, she went to a dance at a local hall, where she caught the eye of a handsome man named Weldon Pearo. He was seven years her senior, and had just returned from the European theatre, mostly in North Africa, Italy and Belgium. The sparks flew between the two that evening, and before they knew it, they were married, on October 12, 1946, in Muskegon. The newlyweds didnt have much starting out, and began their life as man and wife in a little house trailer, and later lived in government-assisted housing. Weldon provided for his new bride by working in construction, traveling all around the state operating machinery. In his spare time he and Fran built their own home, a home they spent most of their lives in, and where they would soon raise their family. It wasnt long before Fran and Weldon celebrated the births of three children, Thomas, Lonnie and Gerald, who made them so happy and proud. Fran was a wonderful wife and mother, who devoted her life to attentively caring for her boys. Admittedly, she wasnt much of a housekeeper, preferring to devote her time to raising the children. She was very, very involved in their lives, and supported all the activities they became involved in growing up. All three were very involved in sports at Spring Lake Schools, and she became an active supporter of the Spring Lake High School Sports Boosters Club, happily cheering on all the Lakers teams (despite being a Big Reds alumni!). As much as she cheered for her sons, she also taught them the important things, as well. When they were young, she encouraged them to get jobs picking blueberries nearby, and ever the supportive mother, she even got a job at the farm selling the blueberries her sons picked! It also helped her keep an eye on the boys, who were never far off their mothers uncanny radar. She always knew what they were up to, and she never got rattled when they got into trouble, either. Theyd come home, tail between their legs, and Fran would simply look at them and say, Whatd you go and do that for? When her kids were older, Fran took that common-sense approach of hers to her work as a volunteer with the Department of Social Services. For 17 years she donated her time to the program, always caring, always supportive, and never judgmental. She also served as an officer with the Disabled American Veterans Womens Auxiliary. Fran also enjoyed crafts! She spent numerous hours making hand made quilts to donate to different charities, hospitals and organizations. This brought her great joy. She was one busy lady! When Welden retired, they purchased an RV and traveled everywhere. Together, they enjoyed thousands of miles visiting places, as children they only learned or heard about. Fran and Welden were not just husband and wife; they were each others best friend. That was just Fran, unflappable, generous, always easygoing, and living her life with common sense and an even keel. She was well known to just roll with the flow, as she always said, and eventually she learned how to chill out, too! Her family remembers how easy Fran was to be around. She was never afraid to speak her mind, though, and she was very direct, too. There were plenty of times when Fran would ask people, Hey, whats your problem? That was the thing about Fran, though, she really cared about peoples problems, and her greatest trait was her ability to listen. Her friends and family would call her often, seeking a shoulder to lean on and her supportive, common-sense advice. She spent a lot of time on the phone as a result! Fran wasnt a huggy person, but you always knew she was there for you, loved you and accepted you, no matter what. Fran did, however, adore babies and kittens, and had a limitless supply of affection for each. She doted on her grandchildren, and later her great-grandchildren, and loved being a grandma. Later in life, she and her beloved Weldon moved into an assisted living facility, which they enjoyed and made many friends. Fran made one very special, furry friend, a cat named Samantha. The cat loved her, too, and took up residence in their apartment. The sign on their door reads, Weldon, Frances and Samantha. Sadly, Fran died on Monday, July 2, 2007, at the age of 83. Fran was a wonderful woman, who always lived her life with an even keel and a level head. She spoke from the heart, lending caring advice with common sense, and uncommon kindness. Most of all, Fran was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, who always took life in stride, and taught us to do the same. She will be greatly missed. Fran is survived by her husband, Weldon; 2 sons, Thomas L. (Gayle) Pearo, Lonnie G. (Anna) Pearo; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Ken (JoAnn) Truman of TX, Ray (Anna) Truman of Cedar Springs. She was preceded in death by her son, Gerald L.; brothers, Bill, Don & Harry Truman; 1 sister, Pauline; parents & grandparents. Services are scheduled for Thursday, July 5, 2007, 1:00 PM at Clock Chapel - Fruitport. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visitation is Thursday, 1 hour prior to the service (12-1:00 p.m.) at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Fruitport. MEMORIAL: Disabled American Veteran's Women's Auxiliary. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or to sign the online guest book.