<::taps::> Frances Ward Landsidle, Director, Palmyra HS D&B corps (NJ)
Catherine
November 11, 2009, at age 90. She was at home, as she requested, in
the care of her sons, John (Jack) and Wayne Merrill. She had been
receiving additional care from home health aides, Mae Bernard and
Linda Hogan and in-home Hospice services.
Fran was born February 3, 1919, near Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Throughout her childhood and teen years, she sang in a nightclub trio,
"The Wardettes" with her sister, Peg and father, Frank Ward. They also
performed on radio and once with the Bob Crosby Orchestra.
She received a degree in teaching from Bloomsburg State Teachers'
College where she met her husband, Ken Merrill. They were married in
1938 and taught school together in Pennsylvania.
Ken also was a musician and was hired into the position of Band
Director at Palmyra High School, New Jersey. Fran worked along side
him as Director of the Drum and Bugle Corps.
After Jack was born in 1939, Fran worked part time as a substitute
teacher and Welcome Wagon hostess. After Wayne was born in 1946, Ken
became Guidance Director at Moorestown High School, New Jersey.
Fran and Ken directed community musical productions and participated
in several co-ed sports leagues. Ken and Fran opened a mom-and-pop
sporting goods store in their home basement, which they operated
together until Ken retired in 1974.
Ken died of stroke in 1976.
Fran met an old friend, Clayton (Cal) Landsidle at their high school
reunion in 1977. They were married in 1978 and moved to Palm Coast in
1980.
Fran and Cal were active in community organizations, and most
importantly, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Palm Coast.
Cal died of a heart attack in 1993.
Fran will be remembered by everyone as an active, outgoing, warm,
loving, person who would take anyone and everyone into her heart and
home to become part of her family.
Fran is survived by her sister, Mary Lou Parker and her husband, Joe
of Palm Harbor, Florida; her son, Jack Merrill of Palm Coast; her son,
Wayne Merrill and his wife, Mary Ann of Flagler Beach; her step-son,
Bill Landsidle and his wife, Susan of Virginia; her step-son, David
Landsidle and his wife, Linda of California; three grandchildren,
three great-grandchildren and many dear friends.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 7:30 p.m . Fran's ashes will be interred
in the church's columbarium.
Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal on December 13, 2009