Fran Faust Slade, a member of the city Planning Commmission, longtime Fairhope resident, successful Realtor and energetic volunteer in many community and arts activities, died Tuesday night in Fairhope.

“Fran was one of the dearest and most loyal friends anyone could ever have,” Fairhope resident and close friend Barbara Haas said Wednesday night. “She was always upbeat, meeting every challenge with a positive attitude and always taking on more than her share.” Slade, 68, was born in Pennsylania, moving to Fairhope when she was 16, her son Teddy Faust said Thursday.

Slade was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer, about five weeks ago, her son said.

“Mother was one of the most devoted people to this community and her family, said Fairhope resident Faust, who has served since October 2009 as Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner. “She was a rock for all us. I would not make a major decision without consulting her. She was a hard-working loving mother. It’s hard to put into words.”

Slade’s husband Ken Slade, an Alabama attorney, died last year and was honored last month by the state bar with a recognition ceremony at the courthouse in Bay Minette. She was not able to attend due to the illness and her recent treatment at that time.

“All the family was at the house this last couple weeks,” Mayor Tim Kant said Wednesday. “I went and visited with her last week. We’re going to miss a talented woman who gave her all to her family and to Fairhope.”

Slade obtained her real estate license in 1983 and was active in numerous professional associations and activities, said Martha Taylor, executive vice president of the Baldwin County Association of Realtors.

“She had a zest for life and was just so much fun,” said Bob Clark, a longtime planning commission member who nominated her to serve on that body. “When she came into a room, she just lit it up. She touched so many lives. Her passing leaves a huge void.”

Slade is survived by Faust and two other children, Andrea Holloway of Fairhope, and Malory LeBlanc of Warner Robbins, Ga., seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

“Fran was a friend to many in town and was also an awesome real estate agent,” said Katie Barton, communications coordinator of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. “She was a true Fairhoper and supported her community, especially the many artists who participated in the annual arts and crafts festival in which she played such a large part.”

A private service will be held this weekend at St. James Episcopal Church. A memorial service for the public will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Fairhope Yacht Club. Funeral arrangement are being handled by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers to consider making a donation to the Fairhope Committe on Public Art.

“I think that second only to her family, especially her grandchildren, she loved Fairhope the best,” Haas said. “She worked hard to preserve the integrity of our town and still found time to help out when anyone had a need. There is a big empty hole left in our community and our lives. I miss her.”