NASHVILLE, TN. - Frances Alice Maienknecht (nee Layne) was born to William Layne and Julia Reidy-Layne on March 5, 1919 in Marquette Michigan.
From an early age she was an accomplished vocalist and musician playing both piano and upright bass. Her passion for music continued throughout her life.
Frances graduated from Baraga High School, earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Northern Michigan University and completed graduate studies at the University of Michigan. She influenced thousands of students as an elementary, high school, and university educator of both English and music. She was very active in professional and civic organizations, most notably the Red Cross during and after World War II. She called Mt. Pleasant, Michigan home for more than 50 years where she and her husband, professor and chair of journalism, were active members of the Central Michigan University community.
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Frances Alice Maienknecht (nee Layne)
Frances died June 14, 2012 surrounded by family in Nashville Tennessee. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother William, her son Gilbert, and her nephew Michael. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Dr. Gilbert O. Maienknecht, her daughter Julianne Morath (Donald), daughter-in-law Helen Maienknecht (nee Bonnell), four nephews, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many friends throughout the Minneapolis and Nashville communities.
She will be remembered for her Irish wit, love of laughter, love of family, generosity, strength of character, and courage.
A Funeral Mass took place in Nashville, TN with burial at Calvary Cemetery in Mount Pleasant, MI.
Memorials are requested to be sent to the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center or Vanderbilt Home Care.