I remember Fran being such a talented, kind ,sweet lady. I still remember some of the conversations we had at Our Lady of Ransom.
I gave her a refrigerator magnet that she treasured after her brother died. I am sure she is playing in heaven.

Remembering Fran today, a year has gone by, I miss her dearly.
Rest in peace Fran.

John Affrunti

I know I submitted a memory when this horrible thing happened, but Fran is worth remembering again. She was one of the nicest people I had the pleasure of knowing. I enjoyed our conversations and playing my guitar with her at Our Lady of Ransom. I am sure she is playing with the choirs of angels now. Miss you dear Fran.

I worked with Fran at Northwestern for nearly 20 years, and she was always a joy to work with.  We both shared a love and propensity for music, and so had much in common.  Such an unfortunate passing of a lovely woman that had many years in from of her.  

Scott Zacher

My dear cousins, Fran and Stan, visited us for an afternoon last April.  We had a great time exploring the Milwaukee County Zoo.  Fran was so happy to be out and about with her brother, after all the restrictions during the height of Covid.  This is now a cherished memory.    -Cousin Rosemary Lawton Wehnes

At one of her favorite restaurants - Fireside in Ravenswood :) 

I met Fran when we were teaching at  St. Edward Catholic School and although we both left the school, we remained close friends, and  I will always treasure Fran as one of the finest persons I have ever known.  We shared our lives in joy, faith, family, and fun!  Fran is now part of the Communion of Saints.   Until we meet again on the other side with Our Lord, enjoy making music for Jesus, Fran.  I love you!

Here are three of us united in faith, friendship, and musicianship.

Here is our beautiful Fran with the sweetest smile and purest heart.

Enjoying the day at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine with dear Stan!

I cannot begin to express my feelings about Fran's death.
I knew her from when she helped out at Our Lady of Ransom. I even had the honor of playing my guitar along with her playing organ. She was such a gracious, talented, kind lady.
We even spoke at times after she was no longer playing there.
There is even a magnet on her refrigerator that I gave her when she left. She so appreciated it. Earth's loss is Heaven's gain.
God rest your soul dear lady. My condolences to everyone who is grieving over this.
Lynda Santrella

My sincerest condolences to the entire Walker family. Fran was taken from this earth too soon. Her memory will live on forever in our hearts. We will remember her talent, kindness, compassion and love. May God in heaven keep her safe for all eternity! 

The most I will miss about Fran are her smile and music.  She was an organist at Christ Church of Chicago for a long time. She organized the children's choir, the Christmas pageant, the hand bell chime and musical recitals. 

There was one time that she had an organ recital at Tri-C and I was one of those who was mesmerized by her amazing talent, always magical when she plays either the organ or the piano.

It is very tragic the way she left us but my memory of her will always be her warm smile, her music, her thoughtfulness, her love for her family specially Stan and flowers. She always asked about my garden because she knew I was a gardener like her and she was so happy one time when I gave her a bouquet of hydrangeas after a Tri-C service.

Fran, I dearly miss you but I know that you are resting peacefully and joyfully in heaven. You are in my heart forever. 

I love you,
Jo Sugai

Our deepest condolences to the family & friends of Fran Walker.  We had the upmost pleasure of knowing her &  being a great friend to us.  She played the piano for our choir at Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Waukegan IL.  She was so full of love, compassion, & made us laugh. She is greatly missed. May Fran Rest In Peace as she enters the gates of heaven. Our hearts are so broken💔

I send my condolences  to the family of Fran Walker from her dear friend Jeannie. She will be deeply missed by me.


I remember Fran from assisting with masses at St. Benedict's church and Queen of Aostles (Angels). She was a nice lady. Sorry for your loss.

Fran and I played in orchestras together back in high school.  We recently (2019 or so) reconnected on Facebook.  

I remember riding with her dad and her going to and from a recital where Fran performed.  We talked about music the whole ride. She was an amazing musician!

She was a kind, loving, humble, talented, and bright woman.  

So sorry to learn of this tragedy.  Thinking of Fran's husband and family during this so very challenging time.

Carla R. Schanstra

I worked with Fran only a few times, but she made a lasting impression. Her warmth, kindness, and bright spirit were memorable enough, but on top of that she was a consummate musician and an excellent accompanist. We stayed in touch over the years and she often sent me encouraging words and well wishes. She was a light. 

Wishing comfort and peace to the many who grieve her loss. May we honor her memory through the countless examples she’s given us of kindness, joy in music making, and love. 

Fran was the piano teacher for both of our sons.  She was a terrific teacher who always gave stickers for encouragement.  Her student recitals were wonderful.   The favorite part  was when she would play for us.     Such a lovely person.  

Sincere condolences to the family.

Gloria and Lawrence




I am so sorry.  There are no adequate words.  Fran was such a dear
friend, so warm and caring, the world has lost a loving soul.  I will miss keeping in touch with Fran by email as we usually did every few weeks.  We worked together at Northwestern,  she was loved by so many here.  May Fran rest in peace and may God bless her family.

John Affrunti



I am praying for Ms. Walker and her family. I haven't spoken to her much since I work online and have only corresponded with her through text or emails or very rarely, calls, but I do know she's a sweet lady. May you rest in peace. 

May you and your family find justice. 

Fran was a wonderful person. We worked together at Kellogg for several years. She was always so friendly and welcoming to everyone. I remember going over to her house to see her garden and pet Lukey. She dressed him up as the devil on Halloween and it was always so cute. I remember that she loved Fireside in Ravenswood. I went to  a theology pub night with her there one time. She was a great friend and I will always remember her. My sincere condolences to the family. This is a terrible shock.

My condolences to the family and many friends of Fran.  Your light will forever shine.  I hope that you are resting well and you will be missed.  

Fran always had a genuine interest in others. She was indeed sweet and kind always ready to compliment others . So many wonderful memories of Fran at our annual family reunions.
May eternal rest be upon you Fran and perpetual light shine upon you. I love you and appreciate the loving impact you had upon my life and that of my family.

Fran was the sweetest person I had the pleasure of knowing. She was always positive and had a kind word for everyone. Fran loved flowers and all things in nature. She loved visiting different churches and was in awe at the beauty she saw. Her spirit and energy were always positive, she filled everyone with love. She will be missed by all of us on earth, but I believe she is looking over us all and telling us it will be all right. Her faith is my inspiration. God bless you and wrap you on his arms Fran. You are missed.

I wish to express my sincere sympathy to Fran's family and community.  Fran and I worked together at St John Brebeuf Church as cantor and accompanist.  She was always such a bright light and kind gentle person.  I especially enjoyed her interaction and care of her brother who she loved so deeply.  They would come to the masses and to our Niles Metropolitan Chorus performances with beautiful smiles and warm wishes for the singers and musicians.
After working with Fran, I always left for home with a smile on my face ready to "pay it forward".   I will miss her.  Fondly, Jan Skaja

I met Fran only on couple of occasions. She played for me and I sang. We made music together and I could tell Fran is a great pianist. She was sweet, generous, funny and just a delight to work with. My heart is very sad. I continue to pray for the family and friends that will miss her for a long time,
Kasia Dorula

Fran was one of the most thoughtful, generous people I knew. She was the accompanist for dozens of Masses I cantored throughout the last three years. On holidays, she would bring little gifts for all of the musicians involved at the Masses, and if we didn't see each other for a few months, she would always reach out to see how I was doing. I was truly privileged to know her. She was a pleasure to sing with, and the Angelic Chorus up above gained an amazing organist. But more importantly, they gained a kind, loving soul. This is a tragic loss, and she will be greatly missed. Thanks for everything, Fran.

Fran was working at Kellogg School of Management when I was a PhD student there and later when I was a visiting scholar and an adjunct. She was the sweetest person and I would show her picture of my child as my family grew. I will forever cherish the memory of her. 

I am so sorry to hear of Fran’s passing . My mother Phyllis wills loved Francis very much . My deepest deepest sympathies 
Paula Wagener Blonder 

OBITUARY

Frances Mary Walker

July 4, 1953 – October 10, 2022

Drake & Son Funeral Home

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