Frances Wilkes

Frances C. Wilkes was born November 23, 1917 in Hurley, New Mexico. She was the daughter of Caroline Taunta and William Henry Cann and sister to William Howard Cann. She married Joseph P. Wilkes in Hillsboro, New Mexico on July 8, 1938 and graduated from the University of New Mexico in June of 1939. On December 1, 1939 she gave birth to William Howard and on March 26, 1941 to Sharon Lee. Her mother, father, brother, son and granddaughter Susan preceded her in death. Frances had recently moved to Texas to be near her daughter Sharon and son-in-law Jim, in Garland Texas. She enjoyed her 42 years with University of California at San Diego, with the Marine Life Research Group at Scripps Institute of Oceanography. After retiring in 1993 she spent her time as a volunteer with the San Diego Humane Society and the UCSD Retirement Association. She was an avid flower gardner. At her home in San Diego she raised Hoyas, bromeliad, ferns, African violets and several types of orchids. Her home was always open to any one who wanted to see the flowers and visit. She raised desert tortoises and usually had several in the back yard. At hatching time she might have as many as twenty five babies to raise to an age where they could be given away to other club members. She also liked to walk and went on long treks in her neighborhood, sometimes for a mile or two, as a daily routine. She contributed to a large number of agencies and societies that benefited animals and humanity in general, and was always ready to help with fund raisers etc. Our mother, grandmother, and friend will be sorely missed by her family and extended family, as well as by everyone who ever met her. We will, forever, hold fond memories of her and miss her smiles at family gatherings.