Frances Sue (Gardner) DeNuit

April 24th, 1944 March 19th, 2018 Frances Sue (Gardner) DeNuit, 73, passed away peacefully in Albuquerque, NM. Born to Ralph Gardner and Nathalie Gardner, she was a longtime resident of Modesto CA, until moving to New Mexico to be closer to her only son. Frances attended Escalon Union High School, University of the Pacific, received her Master’s from California State San Bernardino and earned her PhD at University of Southern California. In high school she competed on the swim team, a pursuit she continued through college. Starting her career as a teacher, her real passion was the theater, including her work as music director for the Denair Gaslamp Theater. While raising her son, she maintained a thriving piano studio for the children of Modesto. Her commitment to teaching piano was a lifelong pursuit wherever she called home over the years. Later in life she enjoyed playing the organ for church services. Most recently, she headed the Music Department for Espanola Valley High School. She was an active and passionate member of Rotary International her entire adult life. Most important were her treasured relationships with family and old friends. Frances is survived by her son, Lee Munson of Albuq; brother, Ralph Gardner of Modesto, CA; granddaughter, Zoe Munson & grandson, Weston Munson.

A celebration of her life will take place in Northern California later this spring.