Frances (Fran) Marilyn Leeper Cassels, Age 75, of Irving/Las Colinas, Texas, died suddenly on Thursday, February 15, 2018. Fran, her husband James and their close friends, Roy and Ginger Battle, were on a Caribbean cruise celebrating the Cassels 53rd wedding anniversary. Fran is survived by her husband, James Cassels, son Greg Cassels and his fianc Laury Miceli, son James Boyakin Cassels, grandchildren Collin, Alexandria, Austin, Bryce and Landyn Cassels, sister Sharon Rauch, an aunt and uncle and several cousins. Her devotion to her family was accompanied with unconditional love. Fran was born November 25, 1942 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Mary Bird Leeper and Vernon Leeper. After graduating from Byrd High School she attended Northwestern State College. She moved to Dallas in 1962 and worked for Collins Radio and Sun Oil Company. She met her true love, James Cassels, and they were married February 13, 1965 and begin their life together in Grand Prairie, Texas. The Episcopal Church has always been an important part of Frans life. After moving to Irving/Las Colinas in 2000 they joined St. Marks Episcopal Church. Fran has served on the Altar Guild and made beautiful bows on the greenery during Christmas, served on the Vestry, involved in Outreach through the church with Lee Britain, Irving Cares, and Many Helping Hands. She and James hosted the Altar Guild Epiphany Party for many years and she was in charge of receptions and funerals. She loved the tradition and reverence of the Episcopal Church and she brought people to St. Marks just by asking where do you go to church would you like to come to St. Marks Fran was a true believer in Jesus Christ and knew that she would again see those who had left before her. In Grand Prairie she served several positions in the Grand Prairie Womans Club including President 1984-1985; charter member of the DFW Medical Center Foundation, served as Chairman for two terms; Chair of the Mistletoe Ball twice and The Festival of Trees; member of Lone Star Park Charitable Foundation and Chamber of Commerce; Charter member of Broad Investments of Grand Prairie; Historic Womens Birthday Club of Grand Prairie; president of Epsilon Sigma Alpha 1970-1971; active member for many years of Tennis Competitors of Dallas; and, most importantly, member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1987-1998, where she served on the Altar Guild. In Las Colinas Fran was a member of Irving Womans Club; Las Colinas Womans Association; served on the Board of Directors and several committees at Las Colinas Country Club; Las Colinas Womens Golf Association; TCD & DIL tennis; Irving Symphony League; Irving Community Theater Guild. Lyric Stage musical theatre was one of her passions. She served as Chairman of the Board for several years; Lyric Stage League president three different years; chaired the Cabaret fundraiser in 2005; volunteered whenever and wherever she was needed; was the recipient of the 2007 Lillie Hinde Award for a volunteer who exemplifies Lillies commitment to Lyric Stage with their time and talents. Irving Cares was very dear to Frans heart. James worked in the food pantry, and Fran and James chaired The Great Harvest with Mike & Julie Esstman. She continued to work on the silent auction for the fundraiser through last year. She was friends with most of the staff and loved to raise funds for them. Fran and James have supported the Irving Healthcare Foundation for over 10 years and they chaired the 2017 Texas Fest fundraiser for IHF. She was always involved in creating the silent auction; she also donated her time to Main Place for homeless teens. Hobbies included golf, tennis, bridge, reading, spending time with her grandchildren, traveling with James and also with her girlfriends, (she never said no to a girl trip to New York City). She was a great travel partner and the best neighbor and friend. She was always the first person to call and check on her friends, bring food, send a card or offer you a shoulder to cry on. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, February 26 at 10:00 am at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 516 S. O'Connor Road, Irving, Texas 75060, followed by a reception at Las Colinas Country Club, 4400 N. O'Connor Rd, Irving, TX 75062. Since parking is limited at St. Mark's, please try to carpool. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Irving Cares https://irvingcares.org/donate-now. If sending flowers, please send them to Las Colinas Country Club, (Monday morning delivery only between 9:00 am - 10:30 am) Do Not Send Flowers To The Church. SERVICES

Memorial Service

Monday, February 26, 2018 10:00 AM

St. Mark's Episcopal Church 516 S. O'Conner Rd. Irving, TX 75060