Frances Zillmann

She and her younger brother, Paul, grew up in Great Neck, NY. She graduated High School and went to work in the jewelry department at JJ Newberry. This is where she met her future husband, Bill, who worked at the food counter. On their first date, at a steakhouse, she informed Bill that she was a vegetarian. Despite the first date snafu, they married a few years later. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past summer.

Fran worked at various part-time jobs throughout her life, but her family was the main focus. She loved being a mother to her three children, Cynthia, Charles and Carol. She MORE than loved being a Yia Yia to her four grandchildren, Victoria, Kristin, Rachel and Tyler. She had a special connection with her granddog, Reuben. Fran enjoyed shopping, getting a bargain and letting you know about it. She loved card games, board games and, more recently, computer games. Fran loved a lottery scratch-off card, but only if she won. She especially loved her big Greek family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Joan Kachapis, and her niece, Victoria Kachapis. She is survived by her husband, William (Bill) Zillmann of Wilmington, NC, her children, Cynthia Zillmann of Burlington, IA, Charles Zillmann and wife Teresa of Raleigh, NC, Carol Melnotte and husband Michael of Wilmington, NC, grandchildren Victoria Zillmann, Kristin Zillmann, Rachel Melnotte and Tyler Melnotte, brother Paul Kachapis and wife Joyce, nephews John Kachapis (Melissa) and Jesse Kachapis (Danielle), sister-in-law Joan Montoya, nephew David Montoya and nieces Michelle Somers and Rebecca Montoya. She is survived by her big Greek family, which includes many beloved cousins.

A special thank you to the Haven staff at The Davis Community for their special care over the last year.

The family invites you to share your memories and photos online.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.coblegreenlawn.com