Obituary of Frances Loh

Fran Loh, 101, died of congestive heart failure at Market Street Residences, Viera, FL, on Friday, September 23, 2022 surrounded by family and loved ones. She was born in New York City on July 3, 1921 to Lt. Cmdr. Frederick Maennle, USN, and Frances Connolly Maennle. Fran was a beloved only child and enjoyed a happy childhood filled with school activities and many friends. At age 16, she graduated from Franklin K. Lane H.S. in Brooklyn, NY and attended Queens College and Heffely Business College before working as a legal secretary to the General Counsel of American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in Rockefeller Center, before the days of television. Fran married Joseph A. Kennedy, Jr. on August 10, 1945, celebrating V-J Day on their honeymoon at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC. Fran and Joseph enjoyed a loving 39-year marriage and they raised five children in Queens, New York, and Bowie, Maryland, where they moved in 1962. Besides keeping up with her active family, Fran enjoyed her work as a real estate broker and she owned a property management company. After Joseph’s untimely death in 1984, Fran relocated to Cocoa Beach, FL, and became involved in social and community activities and real estate. Fran was active at the Church of Our Savior in Cocoa Beach for many years. In 1992, Fran married Frank Loh and they both became licensed agents for Coldwell Banker, working in real estate for many years until his death in 2003. In 2006 she moved to Courtenay Springs, Merritt Island, and enjoyed an active retired lifestyle. Fran, beloved by her large family and many friends, was known for her grace, beauty and style. Her warm welcoming smile, kindness, and positive attitude made Fran’s presence a treasure. She is remembered for the eloquent personal notes that she thoughtfully wrote in recognition of each family member’s birthday or special occasion. Knowing how Fran loved parties, all 56 of Fran’s immediate family members and many friends attended a joyful, festive celebration of her 100th Birthday last July 3, 2021, where Fran joined her family on the dance floor! Fran is survived by her five children, Joseph A. Kennedy, III (Nancy), Franmarie Kennedy, Kathleen Panagopulos (Jerry), Patricia (Kennedy) Bell, William F. Kennedy (Joanne); twelve grandchildren, Annmarie Brown (Alan), Heather Carr (Scott), Nicholas Panagopulos (Marissa), Joseph B. Kennedy (Meredith), Michaela Bell, Lisa Deal (Larry), John Bell (Katie), Christopher Panagopulos (Bari), Lindsay Pierce (Ryan), Christina Bell, Joseph Kennedy (Shawna), and Maura Marks (Will). She is also survived by twenty-five great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on January 14, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Our Savior, Cocoa Beach. Thank you to the caring, supportive staff of Market Street Residences, Courtenay Springs Retirement Village, and Vitas Hospice Care for their loving ministry to Fran and family members at the end of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Fran’s name to the Essential Pregnancy Center, 3425 Bayside Lakes Blvd., SE, #104, Palm Bay, FL.