Franny Palker

Franny Palker (Surber) born July 15, 1971, passed away on January 28, 2024. Happily married to Ward for 23 years. Stepmother to Ally (Drew) Stewart, and Brendan. Step Grandmother to Isabelle and Madelyn Stewart. Loving daughter of Cathie Surber, sister of Cathie (Marty) Zelinsky, Sara (Dan) Llewellyn, Danny Surber, Clara (Rob) Kalal, Trish (Vito) Simonetta, and Jennifer (Kurt) Higginbotham. The best aunt to Nolan, Madeline, and Kaine Kalal, Reece and Raigan Llewellyn, Rachel and Lexi Zelinsky, and Dominic and Michael Simonetta. Franny was welcomed with open arms in Heaven by her Dad, Dan Surber.

If you knew Franny, you know that she always had treats for everyone. It brought her pure joy by doing things for others. Take comfort in knowing that in the end, Franny was able to give the ultimate gift of life through organ donation.

Franny lived for 52 years. She had beaten and defied every odd given to her since she had her first massive stroke on Mother's Day in 1993, when she was only 21 years old. 

After being told Franny would remain in a vegetative state, our determined girl went on to learn to walk, write, drive a car, hold numerous jobs, be a best friend, be married to Ward (for 23 years), help to run a business, and remain the most positive and genuinely happy person that you'd ever meet.

Franny had special relationships with so many people and touched countless lives over the years. She always was quick to laugh, and always had the very same impish grin every day of her life.

Franny was a true example of strength and positivity. She had the most infectious smile and found the beauty in everything.

Please join us in celebrating the life of our beautiful girl on Sunday, February 18 at Pleasant Valley Church, 12193 W. Pleasant Valley Rd., Parma, OH 44130. Mass is at 2:00pm, followed by visitation and a meal. Please dress casual.