I am sorry that Rebecca and I could not make it this week. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we were unable to attend the services. This was a passing that was the closest I have ever had to deal with. Aunt Fran was my favorite Aunt. The only way I have to morn is by writing this out. I want to share it with all of you. I love you.
~Donna
As an Adult, you look back and think about the people in your life who have positively influenced you. Many people have made me who I am today.
My Aunt Fran was one of those people in my life. She tragically passed suddenly, leaving many of us shocked and saddened by her departure. The only saving grace is that she did not linger. I spoke with Aunt Fran briefly on the phone 2 weeks ago. She was a little frustrated being in the Hospital, but just like she always was, very positive and cheerful. She always had a wonderful disposition. My Mother put it best when she said to me, “Fran always had a way of making everyone feel special”. This is so true.
Mom and Dad lived a few miles in the next town over from Fran and Gene. I remember so many things growing up that involved all of us being together. Vicky, Laura, Angela and Stacy are my cousins. The girls were so close to us, it was like having 4 more sisters. We often times were over at their house on weekends, Holidays and just because. I even would ride my bike over there just to be at that house. I was so excited to be going to “Aunt Fran and Uncle Gene's” house. It was a Special place for me. Gentle, Kind, Strong and kind of Spicy that was my Aunt Fran.
Fourth of July is never quite the same for me after I moved to Jersey. Fourth of July meant a Barbeque, Beans, Home Made Ice Cream (Uncle Gene's Specialty) was served after we all had taken turns churning the mix. We would walk to the school to walk Rolling Meadows Fireworks, and then back to Gene and Fran's for more cake and the Arlington Park Fireworks. My family was all there. That was my favorite Holiday.
When I had some sort of issue or did not feel right about myself, Aunt Fran would say something to make it better. Stacy and I had one time been out in the neighborhood when one girl came over and bullied us. We went to my Aunt and told her what the girl was saying. I laugh today to think about how great an answer my Aunt had when she said “Tell Britt she is a carrot top” or something to that affect. I never realized until that moment that I could stand up for myself with people I did not know. Fran did that for me. Aunt Fran always stood her ground and was an amazingly strong woman.
Mom and Dad would go away for the weekend and all five of us would invade Fran and Gene's home. It was so fun to be over there. The Dogs and Cats and Birds and..Etc. We would have wonderful meals, great special little gifts, and warm conversation. One year, my Cousins told me a scary story about aliens and ghosts. I woke up screaming I think out of the room. Fran was there to bring me back to “Earth”.
Every year Fran would make sure all of us would get something nice that she made or found for us for Christmas. I remember a Cat she had made me. I kept that cute cat until she fell apart in my bathroom here in Jersey. I know she made it with love. As a child, Fran made me feel extra “Pretty” as a little girl. She always got me some little perfume or lip gloss from Avon. I could always count on that from Fran and Gene. Aunt Fran continued to make the people in her life feel special.
My Daughter Rebecca with her red hair came over to their house when we were visiting one year. She was cleaning house to move. She gave my daughter a baby doll with red hair. She signed the dolls foot. My daughter loved this doll until she fell apart. She always felt as if Aunt Fran was here Favorite (Great) Aunt. I know she was mine.
For a few years, Fran was unable to leave her home. Instead of just being home, she made the best of it. She became (in my mind) the best Cake Baker in the entire universe. She made Beautiful Wedding Cakes, Soccer Cakes, Special Occasion Cakes, Ginger Bread houses that would take up a whole table, and the best best best Cake ever, her Easter Lamb Cake. Anything else she cooked, baked or prepared was fabulous as well. She also made the best costumes a child would ever need for Halloween.
Aunt Fran took on a role as the caretaker. She always took care of everyone. One time my Mother stopped over and Aunt Fran had been taking care of 8 of her 12 Grandchildren. The oldest one was in the First Grade. As usual, Fran did this with grace and ease. She made it look easy. Up until Fran left us, she always took care of all of us. Her intentions were always genuine. I will miss Aunt Fran as we all will.
Forever in my heart this Special woman will be. We were all blessed to have such a wonderful person in our lives. God Bless and keep you Aunt Fran.
