Francine Damm, 84

Francine K. Damm, 84, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2012, at West Woods of Niles.

She was born in Lafayette, Ohio, to Elza and Edith (Arnold) Klingler. She married Victor W. Damm Aug. 11, 1951, in Kenmore, N.Y.; he preceded her in death.

She graduated from Niles High School in 1945 and University of Michigan in 1949. Her postgraduate studies were done at University of Buffalo and Western Michigan University.

During her 41 years as a speech therapist, she worked for Logan Center in South Bend when it first opened; The Rehabilitation Center for Cerebral Palsy Vella Rose De Soto City, Fla.;The Niagra Falls Public Schools, New York; Berrien County Intermediate School District; Inglewood Unified Schools, Inglewood, Calif.; and Brandywine Public Schools, Niles.

Family, friends, reading and travel were very high on her list of priorities. One of her biggest passions was to elaborately decorate her house for the holidays then entertain friends and family, especially at Christmas. She enjoyed tap dancing and dancing with her friends in the Rockerettes. One memorable event in her life was attending the Academy Awards in Los Angeles, where she danced with Gregory Peck. She gave of herself completely to family, her students and friends.

She is survived by children, Karl (Karen) Damm, Renee (Michael) King and Melissa (William) Mason; and two grandchildren, Allison King and Nathan Damm. Her siblings are Eugene Klingler, Ronald Klingler, Robert Klingler and Linda Suave.

Her sense of humor, kindness and love of life will be missed by everyone she touched.

We would like to express our gratitude to the staff at West Woods of Niles, All Needs Senior Services and Meals on Wheels.

There will be no visitation or memorial service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, hospice or any charity of your choice.