Francine Slagle Lacy, known as "Fran," was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on March 5, 1949. She passed away from dementia on Monday, April 29, 2024, in Monticello, Indiana; sadly, her conscious presence and enjoyment of life had left us several years before.

She was the beloved daughter of William H. and Dorothy Braeuer Slagle Gildenhar of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Fran grew up in Richmond, Indiana, and attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She graduated from Purdue University, obtaining a Bachelor's degree in graphic design.

She fell in love with and married Terry Lacy of Indianapolis in the summer of 1969. Fran and Terry shared a consuming interest in art and devoted their lives and careers to its pursuit. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to creating original artwork, alongside Terry, establishing Lacy Design in the 1970s. She also shared her knowledge by teaching design at Purdue University and working at Twinrocker Handmade Paper, one of the few commercial handmade paper mills in the US. Her talents have been recognized with several prizes, including one from the Indianapolis Art League.

She is known for her extensive handmade paper artwork, crafting one-of-a-kind pieces featuring her intuitive ability to express with color. Her creations adorn the walls of Purdue University's Knoy Hall of Technology (Room B33), Ivy Tech Lafayette, Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow, and are housed in numerous private collections worldwide including Procter & Gamble. In addition, she held a position with the redevelopment commission in Lafayette, Indiana, under Mayor Reihle's administration, where she contributed graphic design expertise. Fran and Terry organized numerous paper-making workshops for students ranging from first grade through adult including Earlham College, fostering creativity and appreciation for the craft.

Fran's devotion to art did not preclude her from having passionate opinions. She was, generally speaking, outraged by unkindness, and she devoted much of her time, in a variety of ways, to the welfare of those less fortunate than she. Those individuals have lost a friend indeed. Fran was one of those rare people who truly made the world a better place; everyone who had the good fortune to meet Fran was warmly welcomed into her heart and found her to be a unique, intelligent, loving, caring, artistic soul with a wonderfully infectious laugh and a sparkle that brightened every room she entered. She not only enhanced the characters of those she met but also multiplied their enjoyment of their own lives many times over.

Fran loved Halloween and hosted many memorable frighteningly fun parties in her woods over the years; they were not to be forgotten. From first grade on, she never met a cat she didn't love. Color was an essential ingredient in everything Fran did or encountered, and it was her love language. When her children were infants, she made sure they never had white diapers; theirs were bright, beautifully colored articles of her creation.

Fran delighted in small things and had collections of tiny rocks and leaves and such ephemera around her artistic and beautiful home, which overlooked Rock Creek. She was justifiably proud of her home and her thousands of contributions to it and ensured that every square inch of the space was immersed in vibrant color. It was a delight to all who entered it and was featured prominently in the national children's book "Let's Go Home: The Wonderful Things About a House"; every room was an artistic adventure much to be enjoyed.

One of her favorite quotes, from the 1974 edition of Whole Earth Catalog, was simple yet profound: "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish." She ensured to meticulously hand-paint the Caslon 540 italic purple letters of that quote in all caps onto the lime green front door, serving as a constant reminder to herself and all who entered her home.

After 54 years of marriage, she is survived by her husband Terry, son Cooper Lacy and his wife Lauren of Cutler, Indiana, and daughter Claire Lacy of Monticello, Indiana. She is also survived by her sister, Suzette Slagle Pfeifer, and her brother-in-law Ron Pfeifer of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Also surviving her is her nephew, Jay Pfeifer, and his wife Stuart, of Charlotte, North Carolina.

The family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to friends and staff at the White Oak Health Campus in Monticello and Elara Caring Hospice; the loving attentive care Fran received is appreciated by her family more than words can express.

In memory of Fran, the family encourages you to embrace vibrant colors without hesitation. She adored shades of purple and green, donning them proudly to reflect her spirit. Let her love for these hues inspire you to infuse your life with brightness and boldness.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Fran by wearing purple and savoring a slice of strawberry-rhubarb pie.