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Fran Cassels, patron of the arts and community volunteer in Irving, has died

Fran Cassels who supported the arts and gave back in many ways to Irving, died Feb. 15.

Fran Cassels gave back in many ways to her Irving community. She was a beloved patron of the arts who was devoted to Lyric Stage, the musical theater company now based in Dallas. She also supported the Irving Symphony Orchestra and Irving Community Theater. She gave generously of her time and energy to nonprofits that helped those in need in Irving, especially Irving Cares and the Irving Healthcare Foundation.   The list of groups that benefited from her compassion is long.

Frances "Fran" Marilyn Leeper Cassels, 75, died suddenly on Feb. 15. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 516 S. O'Connor Rd., followed by a reception at Las Colinas Country Club, 4400 N. O'Connor Rd.

Cassels was born Nov. 25, 1942, in Shreveport. After graduating from Byrd High School she attended Northwestern State College (now University). She moved to Dallas in 1962 and worked for Collins Radio and Sun Oil Company. She married James Cassels in 1965 and they started their life together in Grand Prairie where they raised two sons. The couple moved to Irving in 2000.

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"Cassels was loving, kind to everyone, considerate, a great cook and hostess and an outstanding fundraiser," said friend Sharry Hay. "If you were a friend of Fran's, you were a volunteer."

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Hay worked and Cassels raised funds for Lyric Stage, which was founded in Irving by their close friend, Steven Jones.

"Fran Cassels was a jewel," said Jones. "She worked tirelessly for Lyric Stage for 18 years. Her  dedication helped Lyric Stage grow exponentially. I cannot imagine Lyric Stage without her."

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Cassels served as Lyric Stage's board chair, president of the Lyric Stage league and chair of the league's annual cabaret gala. She received the Lillie Hinde Award for being "a volunteer who exemplifies Lillie's commitment to Lyric Stage."

Other organizations Cassels belonged to include Irving Women's Club, Las Colinas Women's Association, Irving Symphony League and Irving Community Theater Guild. She also served on the board and several committees at Las Colinas Country Club.

Cassels was active in her church, St. Mark's Episcopal in Irving. She served on the Altar Guild and handled receptions and funerals among other ministries.

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"She loved the tradition and reverence of the church and brought people to St. Mark's just by asking, 'where do you go to church,' and then inviting them to St. Mark's," said another close friend, Julie Esstman.

Cassels also served with a long list long list of organizations in Grand Prairie, including the Grand Prairie Woman's Club, DFW Medical Center Foundation, Lone Star Park Charitable Foundation, and the Grand Prairie Chamber. For many years, she was also an active member of Tennis Competitors of Dallas.

When the Cassels moved to Irving, they delved into nonprofit work as they did in Grand Prairie.

"Irving Cares was very dear to Fran's heart," Esstman said. "James worked in the food pantry and Fran and James chaired a Great Harvest fundraiser with me and my husband Mike."

She continued to work on the Irving Cares fundraiser through the years and was friends with most off the staff.

The Cassels also supported the Irving Healthcare Foundation for more than 10 years, chairing the group's Texas Fest fundraiser in 2017.

Her hobbies included golf, tennis, bridge, reading and traveling. She and her husband often joined a theater group trip to New York City to catch Broadway plays.

"She was a great travel partner and the best neighbor and friend," Hay added.

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In addition to her husband, Cassels is survived by two sons who live in the area — Greg Cassels and James Boyakin Cassels; sister Sharon Rauch; and five grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Irving Cares.