Born January 10,1938 and raised in St. Louis, Fran was the devoted wife of Jerrold (Jerry) Goldberg and the loving mother of Sherri Eldridge (Bill), Paula Goldberg (Harry), and Ellen Bowlin (Marvin). She was the cherished grandmother of Amanda Small (Doug), Matthew Bowlin (Alyssa), and Elizabeth Stevenson, and the proud great grandmother of Parker and Morgan Small, with another great grandchild soon to join the family.
Fran was small in stature but mighty in personality. People were drawn to her softness and dry sense of humor. The phone rang almost continuously with daily calls from friends and family. She even wore a portable phone and earpiece at her waist so she would never miss a conversation.
Known to those closest to her as Faygela—she was the heart of the home, making sure holidays, birthdays, and special occasions were celebrated with food, laughter, and love. She always found room at her table, squeezing in an extra chair, and, as her family grew, extra tables. She was known for her matzo ball soup, brisket, noodle kugel, and frozen whiskey sours.
With her husband Jerry, their door was open to all. Anyone who walked through was made to feel wanted and welcome, gathering at the kitchen table, the familiar hub of conversation. Neighbors became family, forming friendships that continued through the decades.
Fran found deep purpose in giving of herself. Her lifelong commitment to helping others began when she volunteered as a Girl Scout den mother. She later became a founder of the Lights of the Jewish Special Needs Society, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families, and served as its president for many years. Through the Lights, Fran understood that the most meaningful assistance was often personal: a conversation, help paying a bill, or arranging a ride to a medical appointment.
Her dedication to service continued at United Hebrew Congregation, where she volunteered for many years. She began in the gift shop and then worked in the kitchen preparing meals, the monthly Friday night Sabbath nosh, and food for countless events. The friendships she formed there became deeply important to her, and she considered many of her fellow volunteers’ part of her extended family.
And of course, her devotion to Jerry, sharing sixty-eight years of marriage. Through hard times and good, they worked through problems and faced the future with hope. They shared many laughs and joyful moments, dressing up in silly outfits on cruises or playing games on New Year’s Eve with their children and grandchildren. Fran adored watching the birds at her feeder and never stopped marveling at the beautiful male cardinals. She enjoyed spotting deer in the yard and recently welcomed repeat visits from a baby squirrel at her kitchen window.
To remember Fran is to remember a place at the table, a hand reaching out before it was asked for, a kindness that made room for everyone, and a voice reminding us to nurture and cherish the people in our lives. In her absence, we are reminded how deeply one life can steady and brighten so many others.
We miss you Frannie
Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to United Hebrew Congregation, Kitchen Fund, 13788 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO, 63141 or a charity of your choice.
