Obituary Frank Obituary

Long-time Durango resident Alfreda Frank died Thursday, Dec. 23, 2010, in Durango. She was 89.

Known as "Rita," she was born to John and Carolyn Swierczek on Dec. 22, 1921, in Chicago. She was one of seven children.

Mrs. Frank lived there until she enlisted in the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps in January 1943, which later became the Women's Army Corps. She served in the WAC until September 1945. As a participant in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II, Mrs. Frank was awarded three battle stars as well as the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the Women's Army Corps Service Medal. Her name is inscribed on the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.

On Nov. 8, 1945, she married Orville Frank, a career military man, in Dubuque, Iowa. She spent the next 23 years as a military wife, raising three children and living and traveling to numerous duty stations throughout the United States and Europe.

"Of all the places she lived, she loved Durango the best and often referred to it as the 'true West,'" her family wrote. "She particularly enjoyed the fall with the cattle drives and "Persian carpet" colors of the mountain foliage."

A supporter of the Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall and the performing arts, Mrs. Frank enjoyed listening and dancing to big band music, live theater and concerts. She also enjoyed playing cards at the Durango/La Plata Senior Center, long walks, working crossword puzzles, and exercise and dance classes.

Mrs. Frank was a member of St. Columba Catholic Church.

She continued her love of learning about new cultures and seeing new sights by taking numerous trips and cruises abroad.

"She's best remembered for her wonderful smile, sharp wit and her incredible sense of humor," her family wrote. "She was very proud to have served her country and equally proud of her Polish-American heritage."

Mrs. Frank was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Orville Frank; and son Dennis Frank.

She is survived by her daughter, Carlotta Frank, of Durango; son, Jeffrey "JJ" Frank of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; sisters Lottie Widowski of Chicago and Lillian Syms of Moreno Valley, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation will occur. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31, 2010, at St. Columba Catholic Church, 1830 East Second Ave.

Burial of cremated remains will take place afterward at Greenmount Cemetery.