Marianne Franklin, 94, of Cayucos, passed away after a short illness Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2010. She was a devoted mother, cherished grandmother and loved by all who were fortunate to have known her.

Marianne was born in Chicago, Ill., in July 1916, the third of six siblings, which included Robert Heicken, aka “Uncle Bob,” her adopted brother and dear friend.

In her late twenties, she traveled west with her younger sister. Along the way, she met her future husband, Howard, who was stationed in Denver in the U.S. Air Force during World War II.

Soon after, they settled in Manteca, Calif., where they raised their three sons. At age 42, and after her youngest son started kindergarten, she began her 26-year teaching career.

She once stated she instructed third and fourth graders because that’s where the action is.’ To this day, former students recall her as one of their most favorite and influential teachers.

She retired in 1984 and moved to the Central Coast, where the family owned a home in Cayucos.

During her lifetime, she enjoyed being a den mother for Cub Scouts, camping, spending summers at the beach, thrift store shopping and reading classic stories to her grandchildren.

Her home was a haven for the forlorn and also included pets of all kinds.

Once, during her retirement, she met two young Frenchmen at the Grand Ole Opera House in Nashville.

She learned they were stranded due to a broken-down car and gave them a ride to their next city. They became lifelong friends and in later years, she became the American grandmother to their children.

Stories like this are a true testament to how she lived life - with good intentions, a big heart and an open door.

Marianne is survived by her two sons Larry Franklin (Linda) and Keith Franklin (Marlo), both of Morro Bay; granddaughters Amy Perry, Kate Franklin, Sydney Franklin and Elle Franklin; three great-grandchildren Justin Fahey, Dylan Stewart and Taylor Stewart; nieces Eloise Bussio, Natica Angilly and Helen Gualtieri; and nephew, Frank Gualtieri; and other extended family in Chicago.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; Franklin; and son, Clifford Franklin.

A celebration of Marianne’s extraordinary life will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010, at the family beach house  in Cayucos. For details, contact 235-4549 or khf@charter.net.