Frances Cambra

Frances C. Cambra of Middletown passed away peacefully on Monday, November 12, 2012 at the Grand Islander Nursing Home in Middletown, RI.Frances was born May 5, 1923 in Newport, RI. She is the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Fitzgerald Flannery.Upon graduation from Rogers High School in 1941, she became employed at the Naval Torpedo Station on Goat Island. After marrying Master Sergeant Bill Lima, they moved to Camp Lejeune where Frances befriended one of Bill's battalion Corporals, the infamous Ira Hayes, a shy marine who was a frequent guest at their house. Their battalion was known for erecting our flag on top of Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima.After returning to Newport, Frances worked for 22 years at NETC as a shipment clerk and Naval Inspector as well as a Drug and Alcohol Intervention Specialist. Although circumstances prevented Frances from achieving her lifelong dream to become a nurse, upon retirement in 1986, she became a certified CNA which she took immense pride in and performed with great compassion until the age of 82. Whether it was transporting her seniors of Blenheim Newport Senior Living Community or making house visits, anyone who knew Frances or came in contact with her knew she was a special woman who would go above and beyond. She was also a lifelong Red Cross volunteer.Her enjoyments would include walking the track for exercise as well as her walking groups at Newport Hospital. Her involvement with her 1941 classmates thru the years, to help with their reunions, was also something she cherished. Being a big baseball fan, she loved her Red Sox.Frances is survived by her daughter Pamela Rurak, her two grandchildren Lisa Rurak and Brian Rurak, all known as her "wingmen" who were always by her side, as well as her beloved canines Barclay and Reef. Frances is also survived by her daughter Nancy Ennis, granddaughter Stacy Bruno and family.Funeral services will be private.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Red Cross Disaster Relief for those affected by Hurricane Sandy.Indian PrayerDo not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you wake in the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night.Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.