Frances A. Pohl

Frances Annimary Pohl (nee Ward) passed away March 5, 2011, after a long and full life that touched many. Born on October 4, 1921, in Decatur, Ill., Fran attended St. John's Nursing School in Springfield. In 1943, she was the first in her class to pass her state nursing boards and was one of the first volunteer World War II nurses to be sent to Chicago's Navy Pier to await her commission into the U.S. Navy Nurses Corp. As an Ensign, Fran was sent to New Orleans to establish a Navy hospital on Lake Pontchartrain to support the soldiers wounded in the Pacific Theater. She was promoted to a Lieutenant and assigned to Glenwood Spring, Colo., to finish her military duty. After the war, she married James Edward Pohl and in 1953 moved to Downers Grove where she continued nursing for the next 60 years.

Fran was an activist for the equal rights of women, marching through Springfield in support of the Equal Rights Amendment. She traveled with Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan to Israel to talk with military women in their kibbutzes. She also worked to change nurses' schedules so they could be home with their children. An active member of the Council of Catholic Woman at St. Scholastica School in Woodridge, she helped with blood drives, fundraisers and administrative needs.

Fran was an avid traveler, visiting all 48 lower states along with Europe, Israel, Canada and Mexico. She loved to tell jokes and was known for her great sense of humor. She will also be remembered for her unwavering commitment to fairness and equality.

Fran and Jim were the loving parents of Steve (Debbie), Mary Kwiecinski (Andy), Bill (Mary), Liz Pohl, and Ed (Kerri). They were also blessed with seven grandchildren: Kim, Dan, Mike, John and Garrett Pohl and James Kwiecinski. Fran was preceded in death by her husband and 20-year-old grandson, Casey.

Visitation will take place Monday, March 7, 2011 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave., (on Rt. 53, ½ mile south of Ogden Ave. / Rt. 34) Lisle where funeral will begin Tuesday, March 8, (time pending) and proceed to St. Scholastica Catholic Church, 7800 Janes Ave., Woodridge, for Mass at (time pending) followed by a private burial at Calvary Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

In lieu of flowers, Fran requested donations be sent to Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, 405 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington, IL, 60010 or St. Scholastica School, 7720 Janes Ave., Woodridge, IL, 60517. For info, call 630-964-9392.