Hella Meyer Franklin's Obituary
Hella Meyer Franklin passed away peacefully on November 2, 2022. She was born August 22, 1923 in Cologne, Germany to the late Arthur H. Meyers and Hildegard Maeder Meyers. Hella was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Captain Robert M. Franklin.
She was the loving mother of Dr. Thom A. Franklin (Beth), Michelle Franklin, and Gretchen F. Becnel (Karl). Hella is survived by six grandchildren, Laura F. Rogers (Mark), Todd A. Franklin, Megan F. Ronzello (Joel), Franklin K. Whitman, Karsten M. Becnel (Miriam) and F. Brandt Becnel (Callie). She was also very proud of her nine great grandchildren.
Hella immigrated with her parents to America in 1937. She spent her teen years in Woodland, North Carolina, later attending Guilford College and became a registered nurse in Virginia, eventually practicing in both Texas and Louisiana. Along the way she had the privilege of working with two world renowned heart surgeons, a time in her career that she was very proud of. She married and raised a family in New Orleans, and eventually retired to Covington, Louisiana. Hella strongly believed in the spirit of volunteering, and you could find her at NOMA, St. Tammany Hospital, and Faith Presbyterian Church. She was an active participant in the resident community at Christwood Retirement Community.
Throughout her life she loved to garden and walk in nature, which she often said was the time she could pray and feel closest to God. She loved to hunt and fish with her husband in Pilottown, Louisiana as well as to travel together to many place around the world. She felt very much at home hosting dinner parties for friends; needless to say, she was a great cook. Later in life she drove the causeway till she was 93 and looked forward to her Wednesday visits to the beauty parlor. She was known by all for being feisty and determined while always quick to display her compassion for others. She knew no strangers.
The family, especially her children, appreciate the many lessons learned from Hella and she will be truly missed. Hella often said, “It is what it is” and this encapsulates her attitude which lent itself to her long and successful life. She knew how to persevere though the many life challenges she faced.
The Franklin family extends special gratitude to all Christwood staff.
Funeral services will be limited to family.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations in her name to Faith Presbyterian Church, 16330 Bootlegger Road, Covington, LA 70433; Chirstwood Foundation in memory of Hella Franklin and it will be designated to the employee education fund, 100 Christwood Blvd, Covington, LA 70433; or make a donation to the charity of your choice.
The Franklin family kindly invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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