Lucille France

An Plymouth resident most of her life, Lucille France, 78, died at her residence on Lake Ave., Plymouth, at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2004.
A dedicated and devoted mother, Lucille was a pioneer of the Marshall-Starke Development Center and active in the organization.
She was born in Chicago, Ill., on December 11, 1925, the daughter of Angelo and Augusta Mahler Raffaele, Sr. She attended schools in Chicago.
On August 5, 1941, in Bowling Green, MO., Lucille and Don J. France were married. Don preceded her in death on May 9, 1982.
Lucille had worked at American Optical for a few years before joining the food services staff at Washington School where she was employed for many years before her retirement.
She enjoyed yard work, gardening, and her grandchildren.
A member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, she was active in the Leah Club of the church, Plymouth Eastern Star and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Whenever there was an event, be it bingo or a party of any kind, for clients of the Marshall-Starke Development Center, Lucille was there to help as a mother, a founder and a member of the establishment’s auxiliary.
Lucille is survived by her son, Don Jay France, Plymouth, and her two daughters: Donna Lee and John Gass, Huntington, Ind., and Judith Ann and Malcolm Easterling, Stuart, Fla.
Seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a brother, Angelo Raffaele, Jr., Scottsdale, Ariz., survive as well.
Lucille’s parents, her husband and a daughter, Nora Mae France, preceded her in death together with a brother, Reedy Matthews.
Friends will be welcomed to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 4, 2004, at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1110 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. An Eastern Star service will be held at 7 p.m. that evening.
Funeral services for Lucille will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 5, 2004, in the funeral home. The Rev. William Kaster, pastor of the Trinity United Methodist Church, will officiate.
Interment will be in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth, Ind.
Memorial gifts in Lucille’s memory may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Youth Group.