Born on November 8, 1946, to Margaret and James DeBell, Fran grew up with a passion for learning and community that defined her life. In 1971, she met the love of her life, Gary Lapin; they were inseparable for the next 53 years. She earned her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1972 and began her career nurturing first- and second-grade students at Thatcher Elementary. Fran and Gary married in 1973 and moved to Utah a few years later.
In Utah, Fran transformed her passion for early learning into a lifelong legacy. She founded Buttons & Bows Preschool and Kindergarten, operating two highly successful locations for over 40 years. Under her leadership, the schools achieved prestigious NAEYC accreditation and were repeatedly recognized as Best in State. Generations of Utah children, now adults, owe their foundational steps in education to her gentle guidance, standard of excellence, and warm heart.
Beyond her schools, Fran was a cornerstone of the Salt Lake City Jewish community. As founding members of Congregation Kol Ami, she and Gary poured their hearts into nurturing the newly formed congregation. Fran spent countless Sundays teaching young children, instilling a love of Jewish tradition in the next generation. Driven by her deep commitment to acts of chesed (loving-kindness), she led the local Mitzvah Committee to care for the deceased during a vital time of need. Fran was also an active, beloved member of the Women's Rosh Chodesh group of Salt Lake City.
Her capacity to care for others knew no bounds. A devoted philanthropist, she volunteered with and later served on the board of The Children's Center, and acted as a Brownie leader for many years. One of Fran's most special callings was serving as a surrogate daughter to seniors in need, including Harry and Kay Glow, Doris Jacobsen, Edith Bloom, Lillian Field, and Hilda Isaacson.
Fran's home was an endless sanctuary of hospitality. A true "mom to many," she opened her doors as a foster mother and hosted exchange students from Germany and Sweden, becoming a loving exchange mother to Dennis Eigher and Camilla Zamek.
Above all else, Fran's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Gary Lapin; her sons and daughters-in-law, James and Ann Lapin, Jeremy and Myla Lapin, and Jesse and Kristina Lapin; her cherished grandchildren, Gavriella Rose, Sarit Adina, Avraham Lev, Eliana Carmen, Dovan Michael, Asher Naphtali, and Akiva Zev; her brother, Russ (Dee) Felker; and her sister, Arlene (Bill) Lehman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and James DeBell, and her sisters, Bettie Spickard and Ruth Felker.
Fran was an incredible educator, a pillar of faith, a fierce caretaker, and the beating heart of her family. She will be profoundly missed, forever remembered, and endlessly loved.
