Frances "Fran" Kaye (Dudas) Wilsterman

On Friday, August 20, 2021 Frances Kaye Wilsterman became Heaven’s newest guardian angel, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 3, 1959 in Akron, OH to Frank & Charlotte Dudas and was the youngest of 3 girls. Fran was a fighter from day one. She was a daughter, a supportive wife, and a loving sister. And she held the title of World’s Greatest Mom – and always will!  She was also a great friend, completely selfless and loving to anyone who crossed her path. Fran never met a stranger.  She loved her family, fishing, the beautiful city of Ithaca, NY, thunderstorms, games magazines and so many things.  Above all this was the infinite, timeless love story that she wrote with her husband for over 45 years.  They may not have had it all together, but together they had it all. She was his #1 fan!  As the baby of the family, she could do no wrong!  And that continued throughout her life!  She was her dad’s sidekick and the son he never had. She went with him and Bev to football games and sporting events and worked on the family car.  She could change a starter as fast as any mechanic!  Spending summers at Loyal Oak Lake Park, she became a really strong swimmer like her dad and great grandfather.  Her days at Holy Trinity Catholic School were disciplined as you can imagine, and Frannie and her mechanical frogs and orneriness always seemed to find their way to the principal’s office!  But she had a favorite teacher, Tony Demita, and a nun, Sister Gemma, that appreciated her humor and looked after her and took her under their wings.  Until one day, riding on her lime green banana seat bicycle, the Kool Kitten, she met the love of her life, Rick Wilsterman.  It was the summer after 8th grade catholic school for both of them (Rick went to St Augustine’s).  It was love at first sight, and after a few classes together at Highland Jr High school, they were together ever since.   They volunteered together for 2 summers in high school at Camp Paradise in Medina.   It was the YMCA camp for special needs children and Fran taught Arts & Crafts, while Rick taught Music.  Fran was a graduate of Barberton High School, Class of 1977. She was such a hard working woman!  Besides the loving task of raising their 4 children, she volunteered at St Augustine’s school while the kids were all there (like her mom did when she and her sisters were growing up), then went onto a few jobs, working at Terrace Gardens to The Slovene Center to Liniform and eventually at Wright Tool and Forge for over 24 years. She had taken vocational classes at Summit Academy in Akron to perfect her machinist skills and eventually her position in quality control.  Her hard work ethic was known by all who had the pleasure to work beside her. Frannie was the most humble and appreciative person!  Never needing much and always so happy!  Her greatest joy on earth was to watch her children and grandchildren grow and become such beautiful people, to be around nature and listen to Rick and Lacey singing, enjoying a beer and having family and friends around her.  The music fests they had at their home were some of her favorite days!   She was all about peace and love!  She was our quiet rock, the one who told it to you straight, cried with you, laughed with you, and helped you to feel better. She will be missed every single day, but remembered with love and smiles and so many wonderful memories!  We thank God above for blessing her into our lives! Fran is preceded in death by her parents, Frank & Charlotte (Pate) Dudas, Mother and Father-in laws Dick & Mary Wilsterman, and brother-in-law Mike Wilsterman, and baby brother-in-law Martin Wilsterman. She is survived by her “Babycakes” loving husband of 45 years, Rick. Their four children Dale (Nicole) Wilsterman, Sara Wilsterman, Angela (Christopher) Terry, and Laurie Wilsterman (Jeremiah Large). Her most precious gifts, her grandchildren, Lacey & Masen Baker, Merideth & Kurtis Terry, Marlie & Sawyer Large, and Lillian Wilsterman. She also leaves behind her very supportive and loving sisters Beverly Dudas and Barb (Keith) Luck,  brother and sister-in-laws, Don Wilsterman, Barb (Bob) Leasure, Dave Wilsterman, Tim (Debbie) Wilsterman, and Mark Wilsterman. Nieces Kelsey Brooker, Dana (Damian) Riffle, and over 25 nieces and nephews from the Wilsterman families.The family would also like to thank Dan Baker for all of his support and care he gave to Fran. A celebration of her beautiful life has been planned at Fran’s favorite picnic spot, The United Fellowship Club in Canal Fulton on Sunday, August 29 at 1:00. Family and friends please join us! In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Richard Wilsterman at Huntington Bank.  

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