Celebrating the life of
Marion DeFrank Gannam
May 04, 1927 - January 05, 2014
Marion Collins DeFrank Gannam, 86, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2014. Her parents, Martin and Marion Collins DeFrank, husband, Michael J. Gannam, and daughter, Elizabeth DeFrank Jorde, predeceased her.
Marion was born and educated in Savannah, Georgia. She graduated from Armstrong Junior College, Class of 1946, and the University of Georgia and taught in the Chatham County school system.
During World War II, Marion was a plane spotter, American Red Cross volunteer, and Civil Air Patrol Cadet.
She was a communicant of the Cathedral of St. John Baptist. Marion served as a Eucharistic Minister, member of the Parish Council, coordinator of Cathedral members working at Emmaus House, and Girl Scout leader.
Marion served as president of the Cathedral Altar Guild, vice president of the Garden Club of Savannah, president of the Record Club, and president of the Savannah Branch of the American Association of University Women. She volunteered at the American Red Cross as a water safety and first aid instructor.
She is survived by her children, James M. GannamCynthia Heitger, Ann L. GannamDan Gourde, and Joseph M. GannamMelanie L. Marks, as well as grandchildren Joshua M. Gannam, Nathan J. Gannam, and Joseph Michael Gannam.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 9th. Inurnment will follow at Bonaventure Cemetery.
Remembrances: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Armstrong Atlantic State University Foundation, Michael J. and Marion DeFrank Gannam Scholarship Fund, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31419.
I don't think I knew you Marion or had the pleasure. I just noted today that you had signed the Guestbook for Joe Switz some months back and was actually looking to contact you to learn more about your friendship with him back in the 1940s and later. This was obviously not meant to be but wanted to share that I was very touched by your gesture and words to Joe. Obviously you had a good and rich life and were very loved. Rest in peace and if you jsut happen to bump into Joe, tell him he's missed too.
- Shannon Scott, SAVANNAH, GA
Deepest sympathy on the loss of your family member. Our family members attended Nativity Church with your family members for many years.
- Ciucevich Family, Savannah, GA
Marion will be missed. She came to the JEA to exercise regularly and made many friends there. May the one who grants peace in heaven, grant peace to her and all who mourn her passing.
- Fred and Nancie Clark, Savannah, GA
It is with sadness that I learned about her passing. She was my teachen Miss DeFrank in the seventh grade at Washington Ave. Jr. High. We recalled our association many times in later years. Stan
- Stanley Harris, Jr., , GA
Ann, Jim, and Joe: I have fond memories of the Gannam family and my family together in the 1960's: searching for our Christmas trees in the woods somewhere in GA or SC; being together at Tybee; the Gannam station wagon passing the Brennan station wagon once on an interstate in New York; meeting us in Maine once on vacation, too. Sorry for the loss of Mrs. Gannam and earlier of Mr. Gannam and Beth.
- Tom Brennan, ,
My sincere condolences to all the family! I first met your mother in 1969, lost touch then met her again last year while exercising at the JEA. Your mother had an illustrious life in Savannah,but my main memory of her is that she welcomed me into the community, not as a Newcomer but as a fellow human being! I'm honored to have known her.
- Jean Easterling, Savannah, GA
A REALLY SWEET AND NICE LADY WE WILL MISS OUR GET TOGETHERS AND WALK AROUND THE MOUNTAIN WITH SHE AND MIKE.SHE MISSED COMMING TO ASHEVILLE THIS YEAR BUT SENT US A CHRISTMAS CARD SAYING SHE WOULD SEE US NEXT YEAR.LIKE WE SAID SHE WILL BE MISSED. OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.CANDY AND CHARLIE.
- CANDY AND CHARLIE HENSLEY, ASHEVILLE, NC
My deepest sympathy to the family of Marion DeFrank Gannam for the loss of your dear loved one. May you be comforted by the words of Isaiah 25:8, 'He will swallow up death forever. And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.'
- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA
Joe, My sympathy to you and the entire Family on the passing of your Mother.You will be in my prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Dear Ann, Joe, and Jim, Meeting your mother four years ago was a gift from above. She was a kindred spirit and very special to me. I needed her and am thankful for her friendship and our time together. Please know I share in your grief and extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
- Randi Boone, Weaverville, NC
I don't think I knew you Marion or had the pleasure. I just noted today that you had signed the Guestbook for Joe Switz some months back and was actually looking to contact you to learn more about your friendship with him back in the 1940s and later. This was obviously not meant to be but wanted to share that I was very touched by your gesture and words to Joe. Obviously you had a good and rich life and were very loved. Rest in peace and if you jsut happen to bump into Joe, tell him he's missed too.
- Shannon Scott, SAVANNAH, GA
Deepest sympathy on the loss of your family member. Our family members attended Nativity Church with your family members for many years.
- Ciucevich Family, Savannah, GA
Marion will be missed. She came to the JEA to exercise regularly and made many friends there. May the one who grants peace in heaven, grant peace to her and all who mourn her passing.
- Fred and Nancie Clark, Savannah, GA
It is with sadness that I learned about her passing. She was my teachen Miss DeFrank in the seventh grade at Washington Ave. Jr. High. We recalled our association many times in later years. Stan
- Stanley Harris, Jr., , GA
Ann, Jim, and Joe: I have fond memories of the Gannam family and my family together in the 1960's: searching for our Christmas trees in the woods somewhere in GA or SC; being together at Tybee; the Gannam station wagon passing the Brennan station wagon once on an interstate in New York; meeting us in Maine once on vacation, too. Sorry for the loss of Mrs. Gannam and earlier of Mr. Gannam and Beth.
- Tom Brennan, ,
My sincere condolences to all the family! I first met your mother in 1969, lost touch then met her again last year while exercising at the JEA. Your mother had an illustrious life in Savannah,but my main memory of her is that she welcomed me into the community, not as a Newcomer but as a fellow human being! I'm honored to have known her.
- Jean Easterling, Savannah, GA
A REALLY SWEET AND NICE LADY WE WILL MISS OUR GET TOGETHERS AND WALK AROUND THE MOUNTAIN WITH SHE AND MIKE.SHE MISSED COMMING TO ASHEVILLE THIS YEAR BUT SENT US A CHRISTMAS CARD SAYING SHE WOULD SEE US NEXT YEAR.LIKE WE SAID SHE WILL BE MISSED. OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.CANDY AND CHARLIE.
- CANDY AND CHARLIE HENSLEY, ASHEVILLE, NC
My deepest sympathy to the family of Marion DeFrank Gannam for the loss of your dear loved one. May you be comforted by the words of Isaiah 25:8, 'He will swallow up death forever. And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.'
- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA
Joe, My sympathy to you and the entire Family on the passing of your Mother.You will be in my prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Dear Ann, Joe, and Jim, Meeting your mother four years ago was a gift from above. She was a kindred spirit and very special to me. I needed her and am thankful for her friendship and our time together. Please know I share in your grief and extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
- Randi Boone, Weaverville, NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
