Frances Margaret Lappke's Obituary
Frances Margret Madden Lappke (Fran/Mom), age 87, left her earthly home shortly after 1 pm on
January 22, 2022 in Ormond Beach, Florida and passed on to heaven to live with Jesus for all eternity.
Fran was born on July 30th, 1934 in Nenagh, Tipperary, Ireland where, as the ninth of ten children, she
was out working in the fields by age 7. Leaving the challenges of an impoverished lifestyle behind in her
twenties, she sailed to New York and later moved to New Jersey where she and her late husband of 48
years, Ernest Paul Lappke, spent most of their lives until retiring to Palm Coast, Florida in 2003 along
with her sister Josie.
Fran was known for her strong faith, her commitment to family, and an adventurous spirit. Her passion
for her Savior drew her to an early but brief experience entering a convent as a nun. After changing
directions to embrace a broader faith, she continued her life with a strong dedication to her Catholic
Church. She served for years administering communion at nursing homes in the Palm Coast area
through Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church, Flagler Beach, Florida and was an officer in the Legion
of Mary. Her strong faith never wavered and she was called a saint by many who knew her. Fran was
an amazing example of Jesus’ unconditional love!
Her commitment to family including being a wonderful, sweet Mother, “Gma” and great-grandmother
and being the sole caretaker of her late husband through a 15 year battle with Alzheimer’s. She also
cared for her sister Josie and mother-in-law, Ella, in their final years of life. Her 9 brothers and sisters
are all predeceased.
Fran’s adventurous spirit could be mischievous and feisty at times and she truly knew how to have fun.
She absolutely loved children and had a manner that made everyone feel welcome and accepted. She
knew how to kick up her heals and was a champion competitive Irish Dancer. She will be missed
greatly by both family and friends.
Fran is survived by her devoted and loving sons, John P. (Pamela) Lappke, Carl E. (Ann) Lappke,
Grandchildren Michael (Naomi) Lappke, Robert (Lori) Gronau, Tara (Craig) Fisher, TJ Cross, Nykia
(Johnny Morris) Lappke, Kiyan (Catharine Fasoldt) Lappke, great-grandchildren, Makayla, Robbie,
Nick, Brooke, Bryan, Taylor, Skylah, Brynlee and Weston.
The Celebration of Life service will be held 9:30am Thursday February 10th 2022 at Heritage Funeral
and Cremation 4601 E. Moody Blvd, G7 Bunnell, FL 32110, followed by a graveside service at 1:00pm
at the Jacksonville National Cemetery 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218. All are welcome to
attend. Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service of Bunnell, FL is assisting with arrangements.
www.HeritageFlagler.com
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