Frances Louise Doane

Frances "Fran" Louise Doane passed away in Wenatchee on Wednesday, June 1, 2011. Fran, the daughter of Harry and Mildred Feldhahn, was born in Spokane May 26, 1919 and lived in Omak. When she was 13 years old, she went to live with her grandmother in Spokane and graduated from North Central High School. Fran attended Willamette College in Salem, Oregon, for 1 year. Fran returned to live with her parents who had moved to Coulee City where her father worked on the Grand Coulee Dam. While there Fran worked a variety of jobs and in her "spare time", enjoyed many sports, including playing tennis on the court that was across the street from her house. It was on that tennis court where she met a young man named Howard Doane. They not only became tennis partners, but partners for life---married 70 years. In 1942, Howard and Fran moved to California. Fran juggled a career of being a part-time clerk, a full time mom with 3 children, a full time wife and housewife and still found time to open her home and to volunteer. While Fran and Howard lived in California for over 5 decades, they spent considerable time travelling the world, often abetted by their daughter, Barbara, who was a TWA Stewardess and personal travel agent. The Doanes moved to Wenatchee in 1994 to be closer to family. Being young at heart and belying her 75 years, Fran was determined to 'settle' into her new home in Wenatchee. It didn't take long before she knew her neighbors on a first name basis. She soon found a church for her and Howard, swam daily at the Y and resumed her volunteering ways. She even took piano lessons. When asked by her teacher, "What kind of piano do you have?" she said, "None, but I've always wanted to learn how to play the piano". Fran was an incredibly caring and loving person. She said that to have a friend, you have to be a friend. She practiced what she preached as she had many life-long friends, with many of the younger set calling her "their 2nd Mom". Fran is survived by her eldest daughter, Kathy (Gene) Fairchild of Wenatchee, son, Gary (Gina) Doane of Hermosa Beach, California, daughter, Barbara (Jim) Allen of Vail, Colorado, 7 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. The family wishes to say a big thank you to Fran's wonderful caregivers and to Dr. Morper and his nurse, Tish, who so lovingly cared for Fran. A Celebration of Fran's Life will be held at Eastmont Presbyterian Church at 200 S. Kentucky, East Wenatchee, on June 10, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fran Doane's name can be made to Eastmont Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Frances Louise Doane

May 26, 1919 - June 1, 2011