Frances Sutton

Frances M. Sutton, 67, longtime resident of Los Angeles, CA, passed away in early March 2023 after a lengthy illness. 

Fran was born in Schenectady, NY, in December 1955, to Elinor and Stanley Sutton. Fran graduated from Niskayuna High School and attended the Hartford Art School – University of Hartford, where she studied for her Bachelor of Fine Arts. She subsequently moved across country, living in Austin, Texas, where she continued her studies, and, ultimately, California, where she finally obtained her bachelor's degree. 

Fran had two passions in life: art and horses. In high school, she won an art award for a painting she did of a horse running at night under a full moon. From childhood, Fran loved horses – always wanting one of her own. Short of owning a horse, she rented a horse for a time and helped care for other’s people’s horses, which allowed her to ride and tend to horses with loving care.  

During her career, she held primarily two jobs: providing printing support for a major corporation and executive assistant work at a food distribution company. Fran drove herself around Los Angeles in her 1968 Volkswagen bug, which she kept running until recently for neighborhood drives. 

Friends near and far loved Fran dearly, and she was a loyal and close friend to many, and equally happy and curious to meet new people and make new friends. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Surviving are Fran’s siblings, Stanley Sutton, Jr. and wife Peri Tarr, Sally Sutton and husband Charles Haeuser, and Stephanie Beavers and husband John. Fran was predeceased by her mother and father, her stepmother Anabel Sutton, and her stepbrother Richard Mack and stepsister Linda Mack. Fran also had a niece, three nephews, and several surviving cousins.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fran’s memory to Saffyre Sanctuary horse rescue and rehabilitation or Hanaeleh Horse Rescue, causes she felt strongly about. A memorial service may be announced at a later date.