Frances Cecile Pitrone
Frances Cecile Pitrone (nee Malich/Fowler), age 84, passed away March 4, 2026, surrounded by her children.
Fran/Franny/Frankie/FrAndrea was born June 24, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Frank and Cecelia (nee Jucha) Pitrone. She grew up in East Cleveland, living in a house adjacent to her Italian grandparents, but spent many summers being spoiled by her Polish grandparents in Valley View, Ohio.
A precocious child, Fran skipped the 7th grade at Saint Agatha’s in Cleveland Heights. She later graduated from Mayfield High School in 1958 and Saint Alexis in 1961 with a degree in nursing.
Fran most recently lived in Savannah, Ga., but resided much of her life in the snowbelt of Northeast Ohio, including several years in Chester Township, Ohio, working as a cashier at Mr. Hero and many years in Chardon, retiring as a nurse from Ricerca.
A former emergency room nurse at Hillcrest Hospital, Fran was known for her ability to help people remain calm during traumatic times.
Fran was incredibly social, making friends everywhere she went. She loved music and dancing and was particularly adept at singing harmony. She was an avid fisherman and loved to laugh, often playfully taunting her children and grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her daughter Julie (Jay) Danner; parents, Frank and Cecelia Pitrone; brothers, Joe and Michael Pitrone; and nieces, Debbie and Casie Pitrone.
She is survived by her children Christopher Malich, Lisa Malich, Jenny Malich (Jaimie Randall), Melissa (James) Skolaris; and beloved grandchildren, Dani Malich, Alec and Max Danner and Jocelyn Skolaris.
She is also survived by her many loving brothers and their spouses, James (Marilyn) Pitrone, Gerri Pitrone, Billy (Sarah Eblen) Pitrone, Tommy (Kate) Pitrone, Danny (Barb) Pitrone; and devoted sisters and best friends Andrea (Pitrone) Redhead and Maria (Dennis) Monroe; as well as her many nieces, nephews and close friends.
She was one-of-a-kind and will be deeply missed.
A celebration of life will be held June 5, 2026, at the Bass Lake Reserve, where she spent many a day fishing, from 2-6 p.m. All who loved her are welcome.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in her honor to: PanCan.org or your local hospice organization.
