Neighbors: Frances & Anora

Neighbors: Frances & Anora

Adult Conversation

Two retired hospital administrators, Frances Hanckel and Anora Tracy, were the nicest and most generous neighbors we have had in Portland, Oregon. Ten years of living on the Fairmount Loop, and they have gone native. This couple landed in Portland as transplants from Southern California and they have thrived as residents with extraordinary hospitality. When Mike and Carrie Tarbell told Tracy and me, “Oh, you will love the neighbors on Fairmount, especially Frances and Anora,” how right they were.

Anora Irene Tracy

Anora Tracy died this spring 2021 at the age of 77. She is missed desperately by those of us who knew her, especially her wife, Frances Hanckel.

Anora was born in Wellington, Kansas, went to college and started her career in nursing. She soon joined the Air Force as a travelling nurse. Upon completing her military service, Anora relocated to Southern California. She earned a master’s degree and continued in medicine as a hospital administrator. She had an immense passion for cats and loved nature. Her outdoor pastimes included climbing Mt. Whitney, running marathons, driving along the Pacific coast and taking long walks on the beach. Over the years she has lived close to the hospitals where she was an administrator: Long Beach and San Pedro, California.

COVID 19 hit everyone hard and Anora felt its impact. Despite her two years as a nurse in VietNam and many marathons, it takes a toll, even on those who are as tough as nails. Anora was cherished for her loving, generous, kind and whimsical spirit. Her death is a deep loss to the neighborhood.

Anora is survived by her wife, Frances Hanckel, and one brother, Douglas Tracy (wife Katherine), who live in Southern California.

Frances Hanckel

What wonderful neighbors they were and what fun sources of social ideas. The best restaurants in town? They have a list, updated with their latest recommendations. The finest musical venues? They have checked them out and can give tips. The traveling art exhibit? They have already seen it and have lots of obscure ones to recommend.

Everyone on the Fairmount Loop always waited for those spontaneous invitations to join Anora and Frances for some meaningful conversation and a glass of wine. Frances had some specialty “nibbles” from Zupan’s that would accompany the wine (or whiskey, if you prefer) to stimulate the adult conversation.

When Covid-19 hit everyone on the Loop, Frances and Anora went into action. They dressed up their garage with socially distanced chairs, a coffee table, garage door open and lights down low. All of their accommodations were compliant with COVID-19 precautions, and the atmosphere proved brilliant. We were ever-so glad that Frances and Anora were available for a few favors in return.

Leaving the Loop

Frances has taken up residence “down the hill” and will be coming to the annual Gale/Fairmount gatherings and we hope lots more of occasions. She has little reason to leave Portland, as she has but one remaining relative, a niece who lives in a small town in Georgia.

Frances is a wonderful collector of art from all over the world. Glass globes, modern art, old etchings, glass sculptures, you name it, if she likes it, she has found one to put in her menagerie. And stories? She is a world traveler and can get into some great conversations that take us down marvelous and memorable rabbit holes. We will miss her strong spirit on the Loop. She and Anora were terrific neighbors.