Frances "Fran" Marie Buffel

Of Dickson, TN, formerly of Boca Raton and Port St. Lucie, FL

Frances “Fran” Marie Buffel passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, in Dickson, Tennessee, at the age of 87. Though her physical presence has left us, her love, laughter, and legacy remain deeply woven into the hearts of all who knew her.

Born on September 16, 1937, Fran lived a life overflowing with devotion—to her family, her faith, and to making the people around her feel seen, supported, and loved. Her journey carried her from Florida to Tennessee, but no matter where she was, she became the heartbeat of every home she entered. She had an innate ability to light up a room—not just with her ever-perfect hair, but with her sharp wit, joyful spirit, and boundless compassion.

To her children, Lisa and Dan, Fran wasn’t just a mother—she was their rock, their biggest supporter, and the steadfast presence they could always count on. She helped raise not only her children but also her grandchildren, and all of them carry memories of her warm embrace, endless patience, and ever-available helping hands. She was always there—whether for babysitting, family dinners, or simply lending a listening ear.

Fran was the backbone of the family—the glue that held generations together. In her earlier years, she hosted every family gathering and holiday meal. Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, graduations—if it was a celebration, Fran was at the center of it, often behind the stove. Before family dinners moved to “The Draft House” on Wednesday nights, Fran played chef and hostess, crafting menus and memories alike. Her rice pudding and pumpkin bread were legendary staples, and no family get-together was complete without them—or a spirited debate about whether the rice pudding should be served hot or cold.

To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was affectionately known as “Nana”—a name synonymous with joy, high energy, unconditional love, and playful silliness. Her quick wit and unexpected comebacks made every interaction fun. She could turn even the most serious moment into one filled with laughter and light. If you ever needed support, you could count on Nana to show up—and not just show up, but pour her whole heart into being there for you. She would fight for her family without a second thought.

Nana’s daily habits and quirky traditions became family legends. She only drank black coffee—never decaf—and made a point to tell every server she encountered that she was allergic to decaf, just to make sure they didn’t accidentally bring the wrong brew. At diners like Perkins and Denny’s, her order was always the same: coffee and water with no ice, and her favorite menu item, “Moons Over My Hammy.” Her purse was always stocked with fruit-flavored Chiclets, York Peppermint Patties, and Kleenex—essentials she’d never leave home without.

Her hairstyle was iconic—adding five inches to her height and exuding confidence. It was a staple of her look, just as much as her contagious laugh and her ability to make everyone feel special. She never turned down a sweet treat or a meatloaf dinner, and if you gave her a burger, it better be just bun, yellow mustard, and meat—nothing else.

Family game nights were a cherished tradition, especially playing dice. What started as a fun, competitive game always turned into an evening of joy, laughter, and connection. Even in her later years, when memory made the rules harder to recall, Nana still wanted to play. Her granddaughter, Savonna, recalls these moments as bittersweet—watching Nana struggle with the rules, yet still laughing, still present, still bringing joy to those around her. It was never about the score. It was about being together.

Nana also made it a point to share her space and her heart with her grandkids. At her home on Brittany Circle, the front room was theirs: the kids shared a drawer with their own coloring books and boxes, and a toy chest filled with favorite games. She made sure they had a space of their own. Many of her grandkids remember learning to drive in Nana’s car, making memories on the road just as meaningful as those made at home.

Twistee Treat, an ice cream shop in Port St. Lucie, became a sacred spot for family outings. Nana loved bringing the grandkids there, creating traditions that live on in the hearts of all who joined her. She found joy in the little things.

Nana also found deep joy in sharing spiritual wisdom. A strong believer in God, she spoke often of angels and divine guidance. Her faith was quiet yet resolute, withstanding even life’s hardest questions. Though there were times she wondered why God allowed certain hardships, her belief in His plan never wavered.

She carried favorite prayers in her wallet and walker—gentle reminders of her belief that we are always loved and watched over:

“Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide me. Amen.”

“May the sun bring you new energy by day. May the moon softly restore you by night. May the rain wash away your worries. May the breeze blow new strength into your being. May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.”

“Make yourself familiar with the angels, and behold them frequently in spirit; for without being seen, they are present with you.”

Her signature sayings—like “That’s the way the ball bounces”—often came with a wink and a smirk, comforting in their familiarity. And of course, if you had a scrape, rash, or ache, her go-to remedy was always Vaseline. To Nana, it could cure anything—for humans or pets alike.

One of Nana’s most cherished traditions was calling each and every family member on their birthday to sing them the full “Happy Birthday” song—start to finish, no shortcuts, always with heart. If you didn’t answer, she would leave it as a voicemail, and many of the family members still have those messages saved, treasuring the sound of her voice and the love behind every note. It wasn’t just a call—it was a tradition, a celebration, and a reminder of how deeply she cared.

Fran Buffel was a light in this world—bright, warm, and constant. She lived with intention and loved without hesitation. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and spiritual guide. Her presence was both grounding and uplifting, her home a sanctuary of laughter, snacks, and unconditional love.

She may no longer walk beside us, but she walks with us still—in every silly joke, every family dinner, every cup of black coffee ordered with conviction. In every game of dice and every York peppermint patty passed down through the generations, Fran lives on.

May her memory be a blessing. May her laughter echo through our hearts. And may we all find comfort in knowing the angels she believed in have now welcomed her home.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date in Florida.

Survived by:

Children:

Lisa Marie Olson (David) of Dickson, TN

Danny Olson (Monica) of Port St. Lucie, FL

Sister:

Joan Harnish of Lafayette, IN

Step-Son:

Richard Hinrichs (Mari) of Ukiah, CA

Grandchildren:

Savonna Olson-Loftus, Dylan Olson (Sophia), Dr. Sean Olson (Marissa), Rhianna Straker (Ian), Alyssa Olson, Hannah Hinrichs, Ricky Hinrichs, and Caitlain Bass

Great-Grandchildren:

Jenna, Tiana, James, and Hope

Sisters-In-Law:

Sylvia Sudbey of Hanover, MA and throughout Cape Cod

Jane Olson of Lafayette and Baton Rouge, LA

Nephews:

Steven, Eric, Christopher, Michael, Mark, David, Steven, Derek, Blaine, and Everet

Nieces:

Kathy, Kim, Susan, and Karen

Special Caregiver:

Kathy Moon

Daughter-in-Law:

Linda Olson

Preceded in death by:

Parents: Frederick Sudbey & Lucy Madeline Sears Sudbey

First Husband & Father of Her Children: Wesley Olson

Second Husband: Hank Hinrichs

Third Husband: George Buffel

Siblings: Gerald, and Dick Sudbey

Brothers-in-Law: Albert Harnish, and Ed Olson

Mother-in-Law: Louise Hentz

Nephew: Jeff Sudbey

Fur Baby: Snowball

Arrangements by Spann Funeral Home & Cremation Services (615) 446-1123