Frances Collins Batsakis

Frances Collins Batsakis, 89, of Traverse City passed away Sunday, March 15, 2015, at Traverse Victorian Senior Living in Traverse City.

Fran was one of four siblings and was born in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, June 10, 1925, to the late Peter and Aphrodite "Alice" (Govatos) Collins, who were immigrants in this country, moving here from Greece. She attended Ann Arbor schools and the University of Michigan (where she attended over 50 games when tickets were only a dollar!). Fran and her family spent summer's in Traverse City and it was during one of those summer visits that she met Peter G. Batsakis. They were married on Sunday, January 12, 1947, in Ann Arbor and spent six months on a honeymoon, traveling around the country.

A homemaker, as well as working at the U & I and other family businesses, Fran was also very active in the community. She was a volunteer at elections, was a member of The Daisy Chain, The Elks, The Traverse City Golf and Country Club and Archangel Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church. She and her husband enjoyed traveling, especially to Florida where they had spent winters in Delray Beach and Sebring. Fran especially loved to golf. She was a three time champion at the country club and also had achieved a hole in one. She loved time with her family, as well as lunches with her friends.

Fran is survived by her son, James Peter (Ellen) Batsakis of Traverse City;
her grandsons, Nick (Lindsey) and Alex Batsakis and Aaron and Adam Batsakis and two great- granddaughters, Ella and Margot. Also surviving are her sisters, Constance Mirageas of Cincinnati and Elaine Apostle of Phoenix, along with nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Fran was preceded in death by her husband Peter, her son, Peter "John" Batsakis; her brother, George Peter Collins and brothers-in-law, Ted Graphos, Sam Apostle and John Mirageas.

Visitation for Fran will take place from 5 until 8 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with the Trisagion service at 7 p.m.. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, March 20, at Grace Episcopal Church with Father Ciprian Streza officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Building Fund of Archangel Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church, P. O. Box 6350, Traverse City, MI 49696

Please share your memories of Fran with her family by way of her online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .


The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.