Frances 'Fran' Berlove Lantieri, 98
Frances “Fran” Berlove Lantieri passed away peacefully on Aug. 27, 2021, at 98 ½ years in Columbia Falls.
She was the daughter of Sarah and Edward Rosen of Schenectady, New York, born on Jan. 19, 1923. Fran had two brothers, Irving and Hal Rosen, who both predeceased her. She was a popular student with an active social life and lots of young men showing interest in the dark-eyed young woman with beautiful hair. She met her future husband, Donald L. Berlove, on a blind date and they were married shortly thereafter for 40 years until Donald’s untimely death.
The family relocated to Santa Barbara, California, in 1965 where she enjoyed the laid-back California lifestyle at the beach. She found her dream job as assistant to the Dean of Student Activities at Santa Barbara City College for 25 years. She loved her work, the constant activities and ongoing interaction with the students.
She was an avid golfer, bowler and loved playing mahjong and cards with her friends. Fran was active in Hadassah and Sisterhood and loved entertaining family and friends. Five years after her first husband passed, she met her second husband, Albert Lantieri, an actor and choreographer. During their 13-year marriage they divided their time between their
homes in Palm Springs and Santa Barbara, while traveling extensively worldwide. They were often surrounded by friends from the acting community, including dancers and singers and there were always lively times at their homes.
Upon her second husband’s death she moved to the Wellington in Southern California where she made many friends, participated in numerous musicals and shows while spending her days enjoying her favorite pastime — swimming.
“She walked in beauty” was a prominent theme in Fran’s life, from her stylish clothing to her beautiful jewelry and perfect coiffure, she was always surrounded by beautiful and tasteful things.
Fran is survived by her three children, Sanford Berlove, Lena Berlove and Patti Singer; six grandchildren, Lars Lynch Berlove, Gabriel Lynch, Carly Israel, Danielle Molinari, Casey Schneider and Julian Berlove; and nine great-grandchildren, Sarai, Mayka, Peter, Tallin, Gael, Mays, Desmond, Astrid and Flynn.
A private funeral was held on Aug. 30 in Columbia Falls.