Frances (Amy) Serpinas

September 17, 1924 — May 20, 2022

It’s true what they say, the very best things come in small packages.

Standing less than five feet tall, hugs from Frances (Amy) Serpinas were somehow legendary. When her tiny little frame pulled you in and wrapped itself around you, she held on tight, and in that moment, you knew what love was.

On June 10, 1958, she and her young family left her birthplace of Hawaii and lived wherever the U.S. military landed them.

In 1973, she and her husband moved to Moses Lake, Washington where for almost 50 years, she made a house a home. Five-star meals and 10-star cookies were always coming out of her kitchen while orchestrating one of the very best reasons to not gather anywhere else but there. She cooked and baked with her whole heart and regardless of the recipe, she always added a dash of love. You’d swear you could taste it.

Her yard was dominated by fruit trees and vegetable gardens, outlined and sprinkled with all her favorite flowers. A colorful palette and labor of love. Evidence of her green thumb mastery and dedication to her garden hose. Always moving about, one garden at a time, watering each flower, fruit and veggie wearing her tiny little house slippers, her efforts often jilted by children running around or people dropping by. Twenty-one total grandchildren were all among the branches of Amy’s family tree. Again, her mastery of growing with care. Loving and being loved with whole hearts, Amy’s house was home to everyone that visited; it was comfortable, and warm, just like her. It smelled good and familiar; there were always places to sit and stay, and laugh with her, close enough so she could hold your hand while she had you there.

Amy left this earth 97 years young on May 20 to be with her husband of almost 70 years, Charley Serpinas. She will be deeply missed by her three children, nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She’s left a hole in the hearts of everyone who loved her and an empty seat at the Moses Lake Alliance Church where she was a member for more than 25 years.

Having Amy in your life, to have been her heart string, to know her hugs, or found yourself on the receiving end of her kindness, or chocolate chip cookies, leaves you among the lucky ones.

There will be no service or memorial for Amy. But if you find yourself in a garden, or surrounded by plants or flowers, dedicate some special thoughts or prayers to her. She’ll know.