Claire Sara Franks (25 Oct 1962 - 29 Sep 2026)

Funeral Director

Location
Southend Crematorium (West Chapel) Sutton Road Southend on Sea SS2 5PX
Date
4th Nov 2026
Time
2pm
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Location
Thorpe Bay Lawn Tennis Club Thorpe Bay Gardens Southend on Sea SS1 3HL
Date
4th Nov 2026
Time
3pm

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In loving memory of Claire Sara Franks

On Tuesday 29th September 2026, our wonderful wife, mum and nanny sadly lost her battle with HLRCC.

Claire was a strong, witty, force of nature who lived life to the fullest and made an impact on so many. Claire had an amazing ability to make friends for life from strangers wherever she went and will be deeply missed by all.

We would be so grateful for all that loved her to join us in celebrating Claire's life on Wednesday 4th November.

Funeral Service Details
Location: Southend Crematorium
Date: Wednesday 4th November 2026
Time: 2pm

Funeral Wake (Reception) Details
Location: Thorpe Bay Lawn Tennis Club
Date: Wednesday 4th November 2026
Time: 3pm

Claire respectfully requested smart clothes in black please.
Family flowers only please.

Please confirm your attendance via the "Attend Funeral" button below.

We welcome any donations towards the research, patient support and awareness of HLRCC (Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Cancer) to contribute towards a positive change in memory of Claire. Donations warmly received for VHL UK/Ireland via this link; https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/9tv2gq8Vre

With many thanks from Claire's husband, Mike and daughter, Ellen.

Please feel free to use this page to share fond memories and photos.

Julie and Keith Robb is attending the funeral and the reception
Jan & Trev King is attending the funeral and the reception
Tricia Goddard lit a candle
Gail McAllister is attending the funeral
Kirsten Rutt is attending the funeral
Sandra Erskine lit a candle
Tim Markham is attending the funeral and the reception
Danielle Tyler is attending the funeral
Stewart Gates wrote

Claire I’m so very sad. One of my first memories of meeting you in Keddies and giving you a lift home and meeting your very young daughter who promptly was sick over my jacket! We laughed so hard it hurt, it was a start of a long and wonderful friendship which lasted forever…… like many I will remember the friendship, professionalism, the knowledge and kindness you showed to all you met. My deepest apologies for not being able to attend your funeral, but I will raise a glass of whiskey in memory.

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Stewart Gates lit a candle
Sue Cable is attending the funeral and the reception
Carole Boston is attending the funeral and the reception
Steve and Jane Prince posted a picture
Boat trip to Turkey great memories to cherish 🥰🥰

Boat trip to Turkey great memories to cherish 🥰🥰

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Jane and Steve Prince wrote

We are lost for words and it still hasn’t sunk in 😢😢when we met you years ago in Turkey what a holiday it was and we kept in touch and met up many times and made memories that will never fade 🥰 this picture was of the boat trip we went on and is now in our Dans room in his memory frame I hope you give him a big hug. Sending Mike,Ellen,and all family and friends loads of love 🩷🩷🩷

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Jane and Steve Prince is attending the funeral and the reception
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Nicky Cox wrote

Like many people here , I have known Claire since I was 4 , a long lasting friendship, ,I will remember Claire for laughter , genuine kindness and her upbeat personality. My memories of her will always firstly be of fun and laughter. My heart goes out to Mike and Ellen and the rest off her close family and friends . RIP my friend xxx

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Lizzi Amboule wrote

We were deeply saddened to hear the news of Claire's passing. Having worked closely with her for well over ten years, she was much more than a supplier to the John Lewis team; she was a highly respected partner and a constant in our working lives.

Claire was a true force to be reckoned with. We always admired her formidable dedication, drive, and the incredible passion she brought to her job. Yet, beyond her fierce professional commitment, we will remember her as a genuinely kind and warm person who was a pleasure to work alongside.

She will be greatly missed by everyone here who had the privilege of knowing her. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies during this incredibly difficult time.

The John Lewis Team

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