Catherine Dorothea Louise Franks
[Amis Memorial Chapel]
Catherine Dorothea Louise Franks
[Granny Franks, Granny, Gran, Wezee, Aunt Louise, Louise]
A heart of gold, a smile of pure joy, a kindness that extended to all she knew. With her confidence, honesty and strength, she was a gift from God. We celebrate her life and give thanks to God for allowing us to experience her love, understanding and listening ear for the time that He did.
“……..Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” Psalm 23:6
Catherine Dorothea Louise Franks was born on 23rd November, 1913 to Ida Louisa Butterfield [nee Bascome] and Edward Charles Butterfield on Cox’s Hill, Pembroke. She was the youngest of thirteen children [all predeceased]; five of the children, including a set of twins, passed before Louise was born.
At the age of nine, Louise moved from Pembroke to Paget and attended Paget Glebe. She left school at the tender age of 12 to work.
During one of her daily commutes to work, she caught the eye of the young Thaddeus Franks [predeceased], and after a brief engagement, they were married on 22 August 1934 at St. Paul’s Church, Paget. The couple went on to have three children. Edward Franks, Gloria Butterfield [née Franks], Marie Franks [all predeceased].
Upon early retirement, Louise decided to work as a seamstress from her home in Paget. She spent her days sewing school uniforms and various clothing pieces for her grandchildren, their friends, and everyone who asked. She also became a childminder for her grandchildren, friends and eventually, her great-grandchildren.
Louise lived by God’s Word. She taught Sunday school, specifically in the nursery, where she cared for more than 500 children from 1964 to 1995. During her time in the nursery, Louise became known by all as “Granny Franks.”
Her kind, engaging demeanour, captivated all those who were graced by her presence. Granny was strong-willed, independent, and a very compassionate woman. You never left her home without a sugar cookie or slice of gingerbread in your hand, along with a positive word in your heart. Her peaceful spirit and unwavering faith were most admirable, which kept her with full faculties until the end.
Granny went to be with the Lord on August 17th, 2021, after 107 years and 9 months [the oldest resident in Bermuda at time of her passing], 3 children, 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great grandchildren. Granny was truly a remarkable woman, who touched the lives of so many.
A Memorial service celebrating the life of Louise Catherine Dorothea Franks will take place on Friday, September 17, 2021 at the First Baptist Church, 141 Middle Road, Devonshire at
11:00 AM [AST] Bermuda, 10:00 AM [EST] US, 3:00 PM [BST] UK
Covid-19 precautions will be observed, mask will be required, and social distancing observed. Because of limited space, we are inviting our extended family and friends to join us virtually via zoom or livestream from First Baptist Church Bermuda.
Livestream Link: here
ZOOM information:
Meeting ID: 875 099 8108
Passcode: Psalm23
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