Frank was 21 years old when she died.
Frank had been ill for 5 years. They initially went to see a consultant about their wrist which was painful at times and 'crunching' on rotation. Until the crunching started, I had initially put it down to repetitive wrist strain as all her art was done on the PC with a mouse!
This proved to be the start of a Connective tissue disorder & Fibromyalgia for which no treatment worked. A random blood test taken at the time showed there was a lot going on with Frank. They had Hyperthyroidism. Her bedroom windows open in midwinter for she was over-heating.
They were also diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis (Frank's liver was attacking itself) and this was confirmed by a liver biopsy in 2022 to be at Stage 3 fibrosis. No treatment worked as their condition was made worse by an allergy to steroids. Frank's health was deteriorating and they did have a poor prognosis however, Frank's departure from this world was nonetheless very sudden & most unexpected.
Frank was autistic and didn't 'do people'. Through her wonderful art and love of music... Robert Plant & Jimmy Page, Dio with Rainbow, Depeche Mode, Marc Bolan, Rammstein, Till Lindemann and in particular Lou Reed, Frank gathered followers and made their 'real friends' online. Her 'bestie' being her 'MichaelMan in New York'.
The family are following Frank's strong wishes to be buried rather than cremated and for it not to be on Christian ground. Requesting a cardboard coffin with no pillows or satin in order to allow worms, bugs and soil creatures easy access...
Frank will be laid to rest at the Higher Ground Meadow Burial Ground on February 1st. The service begins at 13.00hrs.
Dress code: Be warm! Cat ears optional.
All who knew Frank are welcome. (See photo with directions)
The family would gratefully appreciate any donations, however small, towards helping them meet Frank's funeral costs.
With many, many thanks & much love.
For Frank xx
Organizer
Wendy Shields
Organizer