Fran was my mom, and a spectacular mom she was. She was almost saintly in her selflessness and desire to keep us, her family, whole, a total fool's errand, but that was my mother—she spent her entire adult life making sure we were the epitome of a happy, thriving, and loving family. That was her constant wish and refrain throughout my life, and she never failed to hand the phone to my father. She believed in family, she really did, and she loved all of us just as much as she did when she was a young woman living on Serenade Drive and her illness hadn't yet affected her. She knew what family meant and kept handing that phone to my father over and over again until she was too weak to do so and passed the baton of family on to me—every time I call my father, I think of her and hear her voice asking me if I want to speak to my dad and then in the time it might take me to say I have to go, she'd already passed the phone to him. She knew how important it was for me to have a relationship with him and now, after six years without her, I understand it as well. I never got a chance to thank you, Mom, for that small act of bravery and kindness. I can only thank you now, in retrospect, because losing you made me grow up again, perhaps further, and although I hated losing you, I couldn't begin to believe the wonderful reconnections I've made with my dad and brother. It took losing you forever to see what was right there all along—a family who did care about me and a family who loved me unconditionally and made possible by you and you alone. I miss you all the time, Mom. You were and continue to be an inspiration for me. I miss hearing your voice. I miss holding your hand. I miss taking long walks with you and driving around different neighborhoods looking at houses. I do it now, too, and I think of the house you always wanted and finally managed to build back in 1997. I think of you in that house and the happiness you had in it for nearly twenty years. You were the best mother I could have ever imagined for myself. I'm sorry I never said that more often, and I'm sorry I wasn't there when you took your last breath. I didn't want to see you like that. I wanted to remember you differently, and I think you would have been okay with that. I see you as I want to see you, my lovely mom standing on a sidewalk in Hillsboro, NC, clutching a book to your chest. I still have that picture. I look it at every now and again, and I smile at the memory. I love and miss you, Mom.  —David

'Fran was a beautiful and loving young woman whom I met at Goucher College. My husband, 
Brian, enjoyed her family's hospitality when he was in San Antonio. Absolutely the best!'

'Charles, 

I only learned about Fran's passing yesterday. My condolences to you and your boys and the rest of the family. May all of the wonderful memories of your life together bring you comfort. I am sending a big hug to you. 

Celina Fairchild
(gym friend, years ago)'

'Sending love to you and your family. Diane Russell'

'Dear Charles and family, we were saddened to hear of Fran's passing and just want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope that all the memories you created will bring you peace in time. We know how treasured your family was because you always talked about the children and grandchildren with such love and dedication. May they surround you Charles with all the love you need to heal. --Gino & Kathy Bruno, friends, San Antonio'

'Dear Charlie, Michael and David,
I was so sorry to read about Fran's passing. Although we had not kept up with each other over the years, I still remember her smiling face and the wonderful times we spent sharing an office together at the J.C.C. She will be missed by all the lives she touch, but her memory will be with us always.
With all my thoughts and prayers,
Susie Wormser Guido'

'My thoughts and prayers go out to the Levinson family. Years ago, my sister and I babysat David and Michael. I have such fond memories of the family. Mrs. Levinson was one of the best moms around. She always paid me a little extra because she knew I was saving money to buy a bike. I'll never forget her kindness. I know she will be missed by all who knew her.'

'My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you find strength and healing from the memories of your life together.'

'Fran was a very dear friend and I feel fortunate that I was able to know her. I hope that the memories of her happiest and healthiest days bring some measure of comfort to Charles, David, Michael, Jennifer, Zachary, Josh, Ben, Matt, Joey and Harriet. Fly with the wind, my friend.
Marna T. Schwartz'

'Donna and my life was enriched and blessed by having a 40 year friendship with Fran and Charles...Her physical presence will be missed but the essence and uniqueness of Fran will forever be a part of our lives...'

OBITUARY

Frances Ann Furth Levinson

September 26, 1940 – August 23, 2016

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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