Frances "Frankie" Brecht Carlson, age 86 of Miamisburg, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 09, 1939, in Hamilton, Ohio, the daughter of the late George C. & Fern (Moore) Brecht.

Frankie was a graduate of Middletown High School (Class of 1957) and Miami University Middletown with a BS in Education (Class of 1967).  She was married to David Robert Carlson of Greenfield, MA in 1963 and they relocated throughout the United States and England based on his work and school opportunities.  She taught school where they were located including in Bremerton, WA, Umatilla, FL, and San Jose, CA.  They enjoyed traveling and relocated to England in 1976, traveling throughout Europe via their BMW motorcycle.  In 1977, they traveled back to Middletown, OH where Frankie gave birth to their only daughter, Kathleen "Kacee" before relocating to Umatilla, FL, then moving to San Diego, CA.

The family settled in Arcadia, CA in 1984, where Frankie was an active mother and wife, chaperoning field trips, spring break tours and hosting numerous sleepovers with an abundance of snacks.  She also worked on and off alongside her husband for NDC Systems in Monrovia, CA and was the unofficial party planner and hostess for many company events including her famous "Salad and Baked Potato" parties with plenty of caviar and champagne.

In 1995, Frankie returned to Middletown, OH to be closer to the Brecht family and ignited her love for the community.  She was a member of numerous organizations including the Middletown Area Republican Club, Butler County Children's Services, Middletown Planning Commission, West Chester/Springboro/Franklin/Middletown Chamber of Commerce's, Franklin Historical Society, Midpoint Library Board, Butler County Republican Women's Club, H7 and Light-Up Middletown.  Throughout the years, she worked for The Palmer Group, the American Red Cross in Middletown and Dry Patrol.

One of her proudest accomplishments was becoming the first female officer with the Middletown Elks Lodge #257 in 1998 and progressing as the first female Exalted Ruler for the lodge, district and state.  She was an honorary life member coming into her 30th year of officially being an Elk and continued to be active throughout the years.

Frankie loved being a "Gran" to her granddaughter, Kirsten.  When Kirsten was a child, she would take Kirsten to ribbon cuttings, community celebrations and meetings.  She loved watching Kirsten perform in dance recitals and plays/musicals.  She said, "if Kirsten was on the stage, I will be there!".  And she was!

Frankie is preceded in death by her parents, George C. and Fern (Moore) Brecht, brother George C. Brecht and sister-in-law Eleanor "Ellie" (Bigelow) Brecht, her 2 sisters Louise Mansfield and Barbara Wilson, her niece Donna Sherman and her "Wasband" and friend David Carlson.

She is survived by her loving daughter Kathleen "Kacee" (Carlson) Epstein and son-in-law Jason, her granddaughter Kirsten Cox, bonus grandchildren Alexis "Lexi" Epstein, and Ethan Epstein, her nephew Mike Sherman and wife Lisa, as well as numerous relatives and many friends.

The family would like to thank Ohio's Hospice of Dayton for their support and care throughout this process.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Star City Social Hall, 16 Water Street, Miamisburg, Ohio 45342. Arrangements entrusted to the Swart Funeral Home, West Carrollton.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Children's Performing Arts of Miamisburg (CPAM), where Frankie loved watching her granddaughter Kirsten perform. Children's Performing Arts of Miamisburg, P O Box 1095, Miamisburg, Ohio 45343.  GIVE | CPAM

Please share memories and condolences at www.swartfuneralhome.com. Expressions of Sympathy, Love, and Thinking of You cards may be sent to The Family of Mrs. Frances B. Carlson. C/O Swart Funeral Home, 207 E. Central Ave., West Carrollton, Ohio 45449.