Frances Machanoff

On Monday, November 9, 2020, Frances L. Machanoff, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed quietly in her sleep at Commonwealth Senior Living in Oak Ridge, TN at the age of 96. Fran was preceded in death by Ted, her husband of 66 years. Fran is survived by her two sons, Richard (wife Mary) and Steve (wife Patty); 5 grandchildren, Joshua Machanoff (wife Heather), Katie Lesch (husband Aaron), Zack Machanoff (wife Diana), Chris Machanoff (wife Cordelia), and Emily Machanoff; and by 5 great grandchildren, Annabelle Lesch, Maggie Lesch, Ryland Lesch, Hayden Machanoff, and Colin Machanoff. Fran was born on August 18, 1924 in Lawrence, MA to Israel and Anna Pansky. She was trained as a dental hygienist, working in Boston before she met and married Ted Machanoff on March 9, 1946. They lived in Yonkers, NY, until 1957 when they moved to Charlotte, NC and then in 1959 they settled in Nashville where they raised their two sons. Fran was adventurous, with the curiosity of a scientist, and a passion for knowledge, reading, and art. She was the family caregiver, managed the household and was an accomplished cook, famous for her brisket. She raised 2 boys while Ted traveled for work. Whether it was scrambling up a rock quarry looking for fossils, visiting an art museum, or running the boys to Boy Scouts, ball games and band practice, she was leading the charge. Fran was sweet and kind, always teaching by example. She and Ted were members of Congregation Ohabai Sholom Temple in Nashville for over 50 years. Fran volunteered through the Temple Sisterhood in Nashville, delivering meals on wheels, and establishing the Buzz-a-bus, a system for transporting elderly congregants to appointments. She and Ted were volunteers at the Nashville American Heart Association and were recognized for their years of service. In 2015, Fran moved to Greenfield Retirement Center (now Commonwealth Senior Living) in Oak Ridge, TN to be closer to family. Fran's family wishes to thank the caring staff at Commonwealth Senior Living, Caris Hospice and especially Kristi Tucker, her beloved personal caregiver, for taking such good care of her over the past several years. A family virtual memorial is planned, and Fran's cremains will be buried at the Jewish Cemetery in Nashville next to her husband Ted. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her honor to the American Heart Association or your favorite charity.