Frances Louise Heitzman Lester

Frances Louise Heitzman Lester peacefully entered into the arms of our loving God on September 30, 2017, at the age of 87. She has been reunited with her beloved husband, Don Lester, of 53 years; her dear parents, Vera and Frank Heitzman, both immigrants from Czechoslovakia; brothers and sisters, and so many of her loved ones. Frances, named after her father, Frank, became known as “Frankie” and was the sweet baby sister to Joe, Dick, Mary, Kitty, and Belle. She was blessed to be raised in such a close and loving family. Frankie was born and raised in Gainesville and lived in the house her father built in the early 30’s. She graduated from Gainesville High School and attended the University of Florida. She was a true Gator fan and claimed to bleed orange and blue. She and her husband were the founders of two businesses, Lester’s Garage Doors, and Gates Elegante’. Together they travelled throughout the U.S. extensively. She enjoyed beautiful vistas. Frankie had a gift of instantly loving and caring about everyone she met. She touched the hearts of hundreds of people, including total strangers. She was such a compassionate and selfless woman. Her faith and her church were with her always. Frankie’s parents were founding members of St. Patrick’s Church where she was baptized, confirmed and married. Her faith was the foundation of the family of six that she and Don raised. She was very active in her church and served on various committees, including the Pastoral Council, and the Bereavement Committee, where she became known for her rum cakes and Nappa cabbage salad. She was active in the Amaryllis Circle of the Gainesville Garden Club, and a member of the Gainesville Women’s Club for many years. Frankie was very creative. She designed her own clothes and drew her own patterns. Voted Best-Dressed in high school, she made her own exquisite wedding dress, clothes for all of her children and others. She dreamed of being a fashion designer in New York. Yet raising her six children was much more rewarding. She was a devoted wife and the best mother anyone could have. She also was the part-time caregiver of many of her grandchildren. Frankie enjoyed preparing many delicious meals for everyone who entered her home. She had a great sense of humor and loved a good joke. She loved gardening, flowers, hummingbirds, birds, and all animals. Frankie always volunteered when help was needed anywhere. She gave everything she possibly could and never expected anything in return. She affected so many lives, but the ones she touched will always remember the love she showed them. Frankie was a peace-maker and now it is only fitting that she is finally at peace with no pain ever again. She will be missed by her sister Kitty; sister-in-law Virginia; children David (Nancy), Mary (Carl), Steve (Janet), Richard, Kay (Phil), Janet (Eddie); 17 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, and caregivers. We love you, Mama! A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 500 NE 16th Ave, with Fr. Jeff McGowan as celebrant. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Following graveside services, a reception will be held at St. Patrick's Church at 5:00 p.m. The family will receive friends Wednesday, October 4, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 N Main St., with a vigil service starting at 6:00 p.m. Flowers are welcome. Charitable donations may be made to St. Patrick’s Church, www.saintpatricksparishgnv.weshareonline.org or St. Patrick’s Interparish School, www.stpatrickschoolgnv.org or Haven Hospice, www.beyourhaven.org/how-you-can-help/donate-now.