Date of Service:
July 31, 2022
Date of Viewing:
July 31, 2022
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Frances “Fran” Dillon of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away in her home on Saturday, July 23, 2022 after years of illness. She was with her lifelong husband Gary Dillon, Sr. of 56 years at her time of death.
Fran was born on May 17, 1949, to Lawrence and Antoinette Meli in Detroit, Michigan, who both preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by an infant child, Kenneth, who passed shortly after birth, her in-laws William A. Dillon, and Beatrice Dillon and her stepmother Violet Meli. She is survived by her husband, Gary Dillon, Sr., and her five children: son William Dillon of Jacksonville, Florida, son Gary Dillon, Jr. (Toni) of Vero Beach, son Robert Dillon, Sr. (Georgia) of Vero Beach, daughter Marlene Balogh (John) of Melbourne, Florida, and David Dillon, Sr. (Kandy) of Vero Beach. Fran leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren who she loved very much, and only wished that she got to see them more often. She is also survived by her older brother, Frank Meli of Ferndale, Michigan.
Fran met her high school sweetheart, Gary Dillon, Sr. and soon married him on January 8th, 1966. They moved to various locations throughout Michigan, primarily in the Midland area, where family still resides, and then in 1982 they picked up everything and moved the family to Ft. Pierce, Florida. She lived in various cities in the area but settled in Vero Beach later in life. She has left a legacy with her large family of being very loving, forgiving, generous and thoughtful.
Fran became a mother early in life, remaining a stay-at-home mom until the last of her five children were out of the house. Her titles included master chef, laundress, housekeeper, tutor, nurse, financial manager, referee, and event planner just to name a few.
Fran was known for her great cooking. Some of her family’s favorites were potato salad, macaroni salad, homemade pasta, chili, BBQ ribs, homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, cheesecake, and Russian Teacakes and lemon squares during the holidays, just to name a few. Some of the grandkids have already mastered making Russian Teacakes and will carry on the tradition.
A Visitation will be held 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2022 with a Funeral Service to immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Diana & Mark - Friend of family members
July 25, 2022, 9:21 pm
Sending lots of prayers and condolences to the family.
Bill Dillon - Son
July 26, 2022, 1:33 am
Mom, I’m so sad that you are gone and I wish you were still here. But that is selfish of me, because I know how much you were suffering everyday. I’ve stayed with you, I’ve seen your pain and tears. I hope that you are doing everything that you love, and that you can experience everything that you ever wanted to do, but couldn’t do while on this earth. We are hurting now, but can’t wait to get that first hug from you when we meet again. Please watch over us, and tell those loved ones that went before you that I love them too.
Toni Dillon - Mother in-law
July 26, 2022, 5:02 pm
You don’t know the impact someone has on your life until they’re no longer there. Fran you were an amazing mother and grandmother giving of yourself selflessly. Your legacy will live on through all who love you. Thank you for being an amazing mother-in-law .
Gary Dillon - Son
July 26, 2022, 11:38 pm
Mom, I could never imagine saying goodbye to you would be this hard. The day you passed you took a piece of me with you. I know how much you suffered and although I know you are in heaven just not being able to see and talk to you is going to be the hardest things I will have to get used to. Mom, I hope you know just how much I love you and that will never change. There’s not a day that will go by that I won’t be missing you. I look forward to the day when we all will be together in heaven .
Marlene Dillon Balogh - Daughter
July 28, 2022, 11:28 am
Mama, I don’t know how to do this. I just don’t. To say that I miss you would be an absolute underestimate. You were my very best friend. The person I needed to tell everything too. I take solace in the fact that you are no longer in pain. I will have to find a new normal with our daily conversations but somehow I know that you are still here. Rest easy and know that we will all take care of Daddy (or as you would call him “pooh bear”). Right now the hurt is unbearable and I do not know when it will get easier. We will get through this. Thank you for being the best Mama that Bill-Gary-Rob -Dave and I could ever have had. Thank you for being the true example of selfless and showing us the true meaning of love. There is not a day that will go by that I will not be looking for a sign from you. Rest easy and fly high. I know you will be watching over us. I love you -forever.
Robert Sr Dillon - Son
July 29, 2022, 1:03 pm
Mom, I wish I could tell you one last time I love you. I am so sad but knowing your not in pain anymore helps, you are in a better place I know but still doesn’t make it any easier. We will take care of Dad and soon we will all be together again, I miss you and love you 🙁
Gretchen Metz - family friend
July 29, 2022, 2:28 pm
Kandy and Dave and family, So sorry for your loss and hope and pray for your comfort in knowing she is at peace. And we will all see each other again, Love you and your family MOM(Gretchen) xo
Michele Parent - Sam’s MHS Teacher/friends for life
July 29, 2022, 11:55 pm
To the Balogh & Dillon families, We are so sorry for your loss and send love and prayers during this difficult time.
John Barbato - Family/friend
July 30, 2022, 1:45 am
Fran, I feel blessed to have known you and to be a part of your family. Your kindness and love will be greatly missed.
Tammy McKenna - Niece
July 30, 2022, 9:38 am
Aunt Fran I will truly miss you you were a Great Aunt you taught me how to play scrabble you were always there to listen to me through all of my struggles I went through growing up you always tried to help you gave me good advice I was stubborn bullhead growing up and maybe if I would of taken some of your advice growing up I might not have gone through so many struggles I am thankful I had you in my life I will miss our game we played online words with friends I’m glad your not in pain anymore and I can’t wait for the day we shall see each other again in heaven says hello to Grandma Beatrice for me I am so sad that your kids and uncle Gary don’t have you with them now but God took you home he has other things for you to do. Another Angel has earned her wings Rest in Peace you’re the best Aunt that any Niece could have Love you bunches
Jen Archer - Friend
July 30, 2022, 2:54 pm
Fran, you played a significant role in my teenage years and can’t help but remember your beautiful smile and tender hearted personality. Over the years I still had little glimpses in your life through Marlene. RIP. To the Dillon family, my thoughts and prayers are with y’all during this difficult time. Fran was an amazing woman.
Dennis Dillon - Nephew
July 31, 2022, 2:09 pm
Aunt Fran, I am sad you’re gone,even know I I hadn’t seen you in some years life goes by way to fast I know you were sick and in pain so I’m glad your at ease with that now and can walk the streets of gold with no worries say hi to my mom and grandpa and grandma until we meet again fly high for you were an angel long before you went to heaven and I always rave about your stuffed meat loaf to people love you, Dennis
Michael Dillon - Nephew
July 31, 2022, 4:10 pm
Beautiful Memories are silently kept of a Aunt we loved dearly and will Never Forget. ❤️ Rest In Peace Aunt Fran.
Sheila & Phil - Friend of the family
July 31, 2022, 4:33 pm
Our condolences to the family. Praying for peace and comfort through this difficult time. Love to all
Leonard Kelpin - Nephew
July 31, 2022, 4:50 pm
Aunt Fran you were the kindest of souls and one of the most caring women I knew and the rock of this family. It brings my heart peace that you are no longer suffering. Although your gone way too soon. God has called one of his heavenly angels to come home. I still remember one of my many favorite dishes. The the stuffed meatloaf with broccoli and cheese. You will be truly missed. Until we meet again. Love your nephew Leonard
Brianna Balogh - Granddaughter
July 31, 2022, 5:10 pm
Grandma , thank you for being the best grandma family could ask for. You always had the best cooking and the best iced tea and let’s not forget the Christmas cookies and pumpkin roll. I love you so much and will always carry you with me in my heart . Rest In Peace Grandma Fran . You will never be forgotten Love Always , Brianna
S.Meisner - friend
July 31, 2022, 7:39 pm
I am grateful I had the honor of knowing such an exceptionally kind and genuine woman. You are greatly loved and missed by everyone you touched in this lifetime. If God chooses Angels, I know you’re already busy in your new position.
Cassie and Allen - Family Friend
November 18, 2022, 9:25 pm
David and Kandy we are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for your family and all the Dillons.
Aunt Donna - Aunt
November 19, 2022, 1:46 pm
Kandy and David, I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences to your family. I want you to know that I love you and I’m praying for you to find comfort in this difficult time.
Danielle - Family friend
November 27, 2022, 2:30 am
Dave and Kandy, My condolences for your loss.