Frances "Fran" Mary Showman

Fran was born in Hartford, CT August 28, 1957 where she attended Our Lady of Sorrows School (1971) and Bulkeley High School (1975 grad). Fran grew up in a large Irish Catholic family - 3 sisters and 3 brothers. There was never a dull moment on Amherst St. A regular at Foster Heights Park, Fran dominated dodge ball and baseball games. She was a fearless defender of anyone who messed with friends or family, no one messed with Fran - she was a spitfire. The swim lessons at Goodwin Park over the summers led to a starring role on the swim team where Fran was awarded several medals. When events occurred that were "not the norm", in other words, when trouble was brewing, Fran was the first to be questioned - happily there were many interesting events.



Fran joined the Army in 1977. She was expert marksman and first trained as an orthopedic tech. She quickly changed her training to Army Photography and was stationed in Germany. After the Army, this training led to a fulfilling hobby and at times profession. She often said that joining the army was the best decision of her life because while stationed in Colorado, she met the love of her life, George Showman. Her letters home spoke of this great guy we all couldn't wait to meet. Of course the Tackett's fell in love with George also. Many of her letters home were to her very dear friend, Marianne Moore. To Fran's delight, on one of Marianne's last visits to GA, she brought Fran the letters she wrote to her from different stations in the US and Germany. Fran mentioned the trip down this memory lane was absolutely incredible.



George and Fran married on July 30, 1983 in her parents backyard. Fran's style was simple - a picnic was all she wanted. Of course, her wishes were granted but glammed up a bit. They shared 33 wonderful years filled with travels and adventures in their motor coach, cruises, and work assignments around the country and world with their children, Alex, Molly and her step son Chris. At one point in her career, while Fran was laid off from Lockheed, she established a home daycare business. She loved the fact that she could spend more time with her children and served as Girl Scout Leader. Fran loved children and was gifted with an incredible amount of patience to keep them happy throughout the long weekdays. On weekends the yard was always filled with neighborhood children who enjoyed the pool, swing sets and her attention.

Fran and George were truly happy together. Their personalities complemented each other which was probably why they so easily established friendships along their travels. When Fran and George first married they lived in a motor coach (a converted bus). They were together just about a year when the bus caught on fire. After losing all of their belongings, Fran's comment was, "oh well, at least Bear (their dog) was not in the bus, it's just stuff, we will get another bus". Fran also was blessed with a very easygoing manner. In her mind, everything would work out, "we will figure it out" was one of her common statements. Fran and George settled in Atlanta where they both became employed at Lockheed Martin. Fran was a devoted employee for over 30 years. She began her career as an aircraft technician (Rosie the Riveter) and worked her way through the ranks to her latest role as an Operations Technician. Fran was loved and respected by all who worked with her. When she began working on the F-22 fighter jet, she and her extended family underwent a high level background security check. Her sister Barbara was a little worried but they all checked out OK - whew.



Fran adored her children Alex and Molly. Alex was, let's say, a challenge while going through his teenage angst. Alex, remember the boat! She mentioned that his meeting Christina (his wife) was the best thing that happened to him. Fran was so proud that Alex chose to follow in their footsteps at Lockheed. Spending time with her grandchildren, Mackenzie and Corbin was her greatest pleasure. Fran was relieved that Molly tended to behave in the exact opposite manner of Alex (no offense Alex). She was so proud of Molly who was awarded several commendations at her graduation, placed at numerous horse show events with her horse Smokey, and currently starting her own business providing horseback riding lessons and managing stables. Fran had the pleasure of seeing both her children marry wonderful people, Christina and Clinton.



Fran will be greatly missed by her many "best friends", Marianne, Ann and Dave Corrigan and her sister Barbara to mention a few. Fran and George met Ann and Dave while working at Lockheed and have remained very close friends through the years while sharing a camping adventure to Cumberland Island and several birthdays together - Fran and Ann share the same birthday and George and Dave share the same birthday. We have all shared many "Jimmy Buffet" concerts together with Fran where her "Parrot head" style shined - carefree and easygoing. Fran and Barb would remain on the phone for hours on end, with wine in hand, where their life problems were solved usually ending in laughter and the problems of the world analyzed.



Fran loved her family and extended family. She rarely missed a special event in Hartford and was more than thrilled when her sister Ann and husband Clyde, brother, Jerry and wife Josie and cousin Patti and husband Ramez moved to the Atlanta area.



George would like to thank family and friends for their visits, love and support throughout Fran's illness. Especially to Jerry and Josie who were there for doctor's appointments, great dinners and constant visits and to Laura and Diane Snyder and Judy Hicks for gift baskets, dinners and support. We felt the love.



Barbara (Fran's sister) writing on behalf of our Mom and siblings who are thankful for George, Alex and Molly. George's love for Fran was apparent as he did not leave Fran's side since February. His devotion helped to fulfill her desire to remain at home as long as possible, dip in the pool and play with Corbin and Mackenzie. Alex and Molly were there every day to support both Fran and George - how could they not be great kids, look at their parents!

The celebration of her life after the memorial service will be at their home and resemble a tailgate party at a Buffet concert, please come with your island attire if you can, that is what she wished. Her patient, easygoing nature will be greatly missed by all who loved her.



Fran led a simple life, and enjoyed simple pleasures --- in a Big Way!

Fran is survived by her husband George, son; Alex and his wife Christina (Dallas, GA), grandchildren; Mackenzie and Corbin, daughter; Molly Showman Snyder and her husband Clinton (Marietta, GA), step-son; Christopher Showman (Hornbeak, TN); her mother; Mary Tackett (Hartford, CT), Aunt; Sr. Frances Tighe, SJC (Hartford, CT), brothers; James Tackett (New Haven, CT), Thomas and Diane Tackett (Watauga, TX), Gerard (Jerry) and Josie Tackett (Kennesaw, GA), sisters; Ann and Clyde Fitch (Columbus, OH), Maureen Bialosuknia (Bristol, CT), Barbara Meyers (Newington, CT), father and mother in law; Junior and Bertha Showman, sisters in law; June and Harry Lewis, Joyce Showman and partner Linda Pierce, brother in law; John and Lisa Showman (all of Jacksonville, FL) and several nieces and nephews. Fran is predeceased by her father; Thomas J. Tackett, brother in law; Wes Bialosuknia and dear friend, Bill McCaffrey.