Frances “Frankie” Cecelia Cromwell Reich of Middletown passed away Jan. 31, 2023, at home surrounded by family. Frankie was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, to Cmdr. Francis Eugene Cromwell, U.S. Navel Academy Class of 1927, and his wife Mary Cecelia (Collins) Cromwell.
Throughout her life, Frankie was an avid reader who devoured fiction and history books. She was a news junkie and a cinephile – some of her favorites included “Arthur,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “Steel Magnolias,” “The Big Chill” and, of course, when it came to TV, “Law and Order” marathons on repeat.
Frankie was a loyal New York Yankees fan with a vast knowledge of the game, a passion only exceeded by her love for her dogs over the years. She was adored by her two grandsons, August and Otto, who spent time with their Oma laughing, talking and being spoiled rotten with love and affection. Her lemon meringue pie and rum cake were second to none.
The daughter and granddaughter of pianists, Frankie was a gifted soprano who sang with the Monmouth Conservatory and favored listening to The Rolling Stones, Elvis, Janis Joplin, all things Motown and Cousin Brucie on CBS FM. She shared her love of music and dancing with her devoted husband Linhard, with whom she enjoyed traveling to Annapolis, New Orleans – or anywhere else accessible by car.
Frankie was a fixture at the Café des Artistes in New York City in the 1960s, but professionally her proudest achievement was her work on the New York State reapportionment plan under New York University Dean Robert B. McKay. Her career also included time with TIAA CREF doing management training and employee counseling and AT&T where she wrote and conducted management seminars. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in history from Fordham University and Master of Arts in history from Monmouth University, where she was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society.
Frankie was active in local Democratic party politics, serving on the Middletown Township Democratic Committee, as a charter member of the National Women’s History Museum, a Colonial Williamsburg Burgess and a proud Virginian.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter Jennifer Cecelia Reich; her sisters, Betty Jo Cromwell and Sister Cecilia Maureen Cromwell, IHM; cousin Robert P. Cromwell and his wife Dolores M. Cromwell.
Frankie is survived by Hans-Linhard Reich, her loving husband of 54 years, daughter Dr. Charlotte Reich of Atlantic Highlands, son Carter (Lauren) Reich of Bloomfield and her grandsons, August Reich and Otto Reich; and cousins Wayne (Lynette) Cromwell, Brad (Diane) Cromwell and their children. Late in her life she was lovingly cared for by Mariam “Masha” Chubabria.
Family and friends visited Feb. 5 at John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank, with a service of remembrance. Entombment was private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frankie’s memory to the Southern Poverty Law Center, ACLU or Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
Memories and condolences may be shared at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the February 16 – 22, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
