Frances Stopar Duff

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Frances Duff. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Frances was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about.

Her parents were Mary and Peter Stopar. Frances was raised in Chicago, Illinois. Even as a youngster, Frances learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

Frances graduated from Carter H. Harrison Technical High School in 1937. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Frances was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Frances’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.”

Frances was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Frances came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, her best friend was Emily Matiasek. Later in life, she became friends with Dorothy,Lois, Chris, Sophia, Freda, Emily, Jim and Kay Bobis and Lucille.

On July 17th, 1943 Frances exchanged wedding vows with Thomas Duff at St. Stephen's Church in Chicago, Illinois. One of Frances’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for attending a celebration for her family and friends.

Frances was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Frances would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Frances was blessed with five children, Tom, Tim, Susan, Sharon, and Sandy. They were also blessed with twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren, grandchildren, Bridget, Jason, Adam, Patrick, Katie, Justin, Sarah, Scott, Nichole, Lindsay, Morgan, Mark, great grandchildren, Jillian, Jared, Leah, Amy, Caden, Julie.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Frances was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. Frances was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Frances upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was a retail clerk. She was employed for 30 years at Marshall Field's, she retired in 1990. Frances was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Frances approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were baking, trying new recipes, bingo, and outings with friends. Frances was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Being generous with her time and energy, Frances liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. Frances was an active member of the Slovene National Benefit Society, Lodge #559, for 73 years.

Faith was important to Frances. She held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church for 16 years.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Frances used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. Frances had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, San Diego, California, Bozeman, Montana, and Nashua, New Hampshire.

Frances passed away on March 13, 2011 at home in Downers Grove, Illinois. She is survived by her children, Tom, Tim, Susan, Sharon, and Sandy. Visitation was at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln, Ave. (on Rt53, 1/2 mile south of Ogden Ave./Rt. 34), Lisle, IL. on Friday, March 18, 2011 Services were held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Lisle, Illinois, on Saturday, March 19, 2011. Frances was laid to rest in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, Illinois.

All who knew her would agree that Frances was a sweet and kind lady. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Frances Duff did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

Frances Duff, nee Stopar, age 92, beloved wife of the late Thomas M. Duff, Sr.; devoted mother of Thomas M., Jr (Linda), Tim (Bonnie), Susan (Joe) Soltis, Sharon (Bob) Wollenberg and Sandy (Mark) Webber; loving grandmother of 12 and great grandmother of 6.

Visitation Friday, March 18, 2011 from 3-8 pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave., Lisle (on Rt. 53, 1/2 mile south of Ogden Ave. / Rt. 34) where funeral services will begin Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 10:30 am and proceed to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church for Mass at 11:15 am. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL.

For infomation, call the funeral home at 630-964-9392.