Frances "Fran" Hale

Frances "Fran" Hale left this world on August 15, 2015 after a lengthy illness following a heart operation. She was born in Japan on February 10, 1925 to the late MacFarland and Maria Mentzel Hale. Her father was an executive with Otis Elevator Company and her time in Japan led to a wonderful bi-lingual childhood. With clouds of war gathering, her family returned to the United States in 1938. She grew up in New York and New Jersey, graduating from George Washington University. Later in life, she reconnected with her cousin Hal Hale and their marriage lasted 21 years. In addition to her husband, she is also survived by three children, Stephen Crystal, Roy Crystal and Sarah Crystal. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 22 at St. Timothy's Anglican Church in Swannanoa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the Wounded Warriors or to the American Farmland Trust. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.