In loving memory of Frances Leslie (Smith) Koon

Obituary

Frances was born January 23, 1941, in Inverness, Scotland and lived in Aberdeen until age six when she and her family immigrated to America and settled in Plymouth, Michigan. A few years later her parents, Andrew Findley Smith and Jessie Vera (Mutch) Smith passed away. Fran and her brother Andrew Bentley were taken in by her aunt and Uncle, Anne and Arthur Stewart.

Fran was very active at Plymouth high school and was on the synchronized swimming team. After high school she went to the University of Western Michigan where she met her future husband Arden (Art) Koon. Fran and Art were married June 30, 1962.

Art and Fran lived in several states including Texas, Colorado, California, Illinois, New Jersey and Florida. Through the years, they were blessed with three children, Deborah, Nancy, and Laura.

In spite of the frequent moves, Fran made friends everywhere she lived and was still in contact with many of them. She was an outgoing person, and was loved by everyone she befriended, as she had a natural-born ability to attract and keep friends. Fran was known for having a flare for decorating, and in Sparta, NJ, she worked as an Interior Designer. Fran enjoyed golf, tennis, playing Mah Jongg, and boating in Florida, where they retired. Two years ago, Fran and Art went to Aberdeen, and visited the childhood home she lived in before coming to America. Seeing it again was a major highlight of her life.

Fran passed away March 28, 2024, after complications following surgery. When she came home with Hospice, her friends lined the sidewalks as she went into her home, expressing their love for her. She passed away quietly, surrounded by family.

Fran is survived by her husband Arden Leo Koon. Daughters Deborah Joyce Thurmond, (Michael) Nancy Elizabeth Haan, Laura Anne Deluca (John). Brother Andrew Smith, (Nancy), Grandchildren, Shannon Elaine Westblade, (Lucas), Jacob Andrew Nicholas Haan (Emily), Brendan Stewart Rempert, James Arden DeLuca, and Great Grandchildren Gideon James and Adelheid Elaine Westblade. Step Grandchildren, Meagan, Mallory and Liam Thurmond.

A Celebration of Life will be at First Presbyterian Church, 25250 Airport Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, at 11 AM Friday, May 31, 2024.

Interment will be at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL at 2:30 PM Friday May 31, 2024