Francine Enid Strauss

Fran was born to German Jewish immigrants Inge and Walter Strauss. Her early years were spent in East Orange, New Jersey where she grew up alongside her family’s grocery store, a fundamental part of the local community. Her busy schedule of starring in musicals at Clifford Scott High School and working at her parents' store, solidified her passions of theater and helping others, both of which she nurtured throughout her life.

Her love of acting led her to graduate with a dual degree in theater and education from Ithaca College. She also earned dual masters degrees in education and administration at the prestigious Bank Street School of Education. Fran developed models for elementary education curriculum, which she taught as a consultant across the country. Prior to anchoring her career on the east coast, she lived and taught in Israel, where she met lifelong friends and deepened her understanding of her own Jewish identity.

An eternal advocate of early education, she led a pre-K in District 15 in Brooklyn, N.Y. She later became a reading specialist, working in Brooklyn and finally in Jersey City where she implemented the pre-K program at The Learning Community Charter School. Fran’s work with young children and other educators brought her immense joy and fulfillment.

A regular Broadway patron, she often broke into song while teaching, visiting friends, on facetime with her grandchildren, or even to the hospital staff. Fran had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, from the dog walker to the top surgeon on her case. Her twinkling green eyes and winning smile won over adults and children alike. Fran was also known as a fearless, take-charge woman who was quick to offer advice to family, friends and even strangers who might have been surprised by her frank and often wise suggestions to problems.

Fran shared 37 years with her beloved husband, Craig Podell, with whom she raised two children, Seth and Rachel. They took summer vacations at Cape Cod, with many hours of bicycling, fishing, and swimming. The couple also traveled internationally, passing along their adventurous spirit and taste for exploring other cultures to their children. After guiding her children to engage in Jewish values through their studies for bar and bat mitzvah, Francine studied and proudly became a bat mitzvah as an adult.

The greatest joy in her life was becoming Grammy Franny to Aiden, age 4 and Minna, age 1. During her frequent visits, she laughed, sang, read to and loved her grandchildren. An avid baker, Fran devised special treats for and games to play with them for every occasion. Fran loved to peruse the internet and thrift shops for toys and gently used clothes for Aiden and Minna, always excited to see the smiles on their faces with each new surprise. Her goal in life was to become a grandmother, one that she accomplished with unwavering love and dedication. Aiden and Minna will forever cherish the memory of their Grammy.

In retirement, she volunteered at Maplewood public schools. After adopting Mamacita, a rescue dog, she dedicated time volunteering at the New Jersey Animal Coalition. Fran had a green thumb, successfully growing African violets and challenging orchids. She is survived by her husband, Craig Podell of South Orange; a son, Seth Podell (Laelena Brooks) of Manhattan; a daughter, Rachel Podell (Scott Robertson) of Mountainside; a brother, Jeffrey Strauss (Sandy Strauss) of California; and two grandchildren, Aiden and Minna Podell of Manhattan. We are especially grateful to her caregiver, Ann Damasia, who supported Fran with love, skill, empathy and strength. She is also survived by friends with whom she developed long and warm relationships over many years. Fran’s circle of family and friends were inspired by her fierce determination and her embodiment of the spirit of “Defying Gravity” a song from one of her favorite musicals, “Wicked”. Fran often defied the odds of her illnesses. “I’m through accepting limits, until I try I’ll never know.” Indeed Fran tried. And she never gave up.

A funeral service for Fran will be held Friday, October 6, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, NJ 07039.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fran's name to the Frederick B. Cohen Cancer Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center:

Donors can designate their tribute gift to the Frederick B. Cohen Caner Center online at www.rwjbh.org/newark-beth-israel-medical-center/giving/give-now/ .

Donors can also send their donations via check to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 201 Lyons Avenue G2, Development Department, Newark NJ 07112, and list their designation of the Cohen Cancer Center in honor of Fran Strauss in the memo section of their check.