A loyal, supportive, and devoted individual, Francine was fierce defender and steadfast advocate of her family well-being. Left to cherish Fran’s memory are her children: Mark (Vivian), Lisa, Jeff (Rhonda), Carol (Robert), and Lauren (Daniel). Additionally, she leaves behind nine beloved grandchildren - Michelle, Jessica, Michael, Isaac, Moriah, Gabriella, Michael, Rachel, and Daniel - and numerous treasured great-grandchildren.
Preceding Fran in death are beloved husband Howard, parents Benjamin and Bella Weiner, sister Sally, brother Sam, and cherished grandson Richard, taken from us much too soon at age 14 following a three year battle with childhood cancer.
Francine possessed a captivating and timeless beauty, but her true radiance was felt in the immense joy she experienced with family, particularly her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The love and laughter shared during these moments were the highlights of her life. In the earlier years of grandmother-hood, when Fran lived in Chicago, her affection and unconditional love played a vital role in the lives of Michelle, Jessica, Moriah, Michael, Issac, Gabriella, Richard, Michael, Rachel, and Daniel; they spent much quality time together in Chicago and across the country.
After moving from Chicago to St Louis, Fran had a special relationship with her daughter, Carol Kranz, husband, Bob, and their children, Mike, Rach, and Dan; they became instrumental in Fran’s life and she in theirs; for the past two decades, the Kranz family’s plans always took Fran into consideration. Carol’s endless empathy and dedication to her mom’s needs were crucial to Fran’s happiness as time went on, and never waned. In the final chapter of Fran’s life, Rachel’s deep affection for her grandmother was multiplied in her own children, Kinsley and Beckham, great grandchildren who provided the sweetest moments and purest happiness. Nothing compared to the brightness of Fran’s smile and the light in her eyes when she held, watched, and played with Kins and Beckham over the last 4 1/2 years.
And it cannot be left unsaid that Fran also had an insatiable sweet tooth, never passing on dessert (especially chocolate!), and displayed unmatched skill in Rummikub marathons; she always savored simple joys with delight.
Francine Blau leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter that will forever be etched in the hearts of family.
In honor of Francine's memory and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jewish Federation of St. Louis or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
