Frances Forster

If you met her, you remembered. If you knew her, you were blessed. If she loved you, you were lucky. But if you ever talked bad about her family, you’d better move to another state.

Born Frances Chazanow, the youngest of seven brothers and sisters, she was raised in Brooklyn, New York. She lost her father at nine and her mother at fifteen yet somehow became the strongest woman we’ve ever known. She was an actress, fashion model, and commercial star—best known as the Palmolive Lady. She met Irwin Forster in the famous Catskills and immediately knew she found her soulmate and future husband until his passing in 2009.

In the early ‘70s while living in Long Island, she founded a national charity called PATH, raising funds for schools and hospitals that served disadvantaged children. After moving to Westlake Village in 1976, she kept giving, helping open Chabads across Ventura County and founding the first Sisterhood for Rabbi Moshe Briski’s Chabad. She was fiercely proud to be Jewish and loved being part of that community.

Her sons: Evan, Brian, Darren, and Jonnie, were her life. Each shared their own special bond and relationship with their mom but as a unified collective, it was nothing short of being in a Francis Ford Copolla film or a Larry David sketch, depending on the day. She set the tone.

Then came the grandkids: Jamie, Huddie, Jordan, Ella Rose, Skye Taylor, and little Ivy Paisley. Each one lit her world, but Ivy—her nurse, protector, and biggest fan—was her mirror.

To say we’re lost without her is an understatement. Life will never be the same for the Forsters, and as the last one standing of her original seven brothers and sisters of the Chazanow “Chezzy” clan, it’s truly the end of an era. Like a Pegasus, Franny carried every Forster and Chezzy on her back, leading our family with strength, grace, and endless love.

It was an honor to share our mom with many of you who needed her comfort, advice, and love over the years because being called “Mom” or “Bubbie” by the community was one of her proudest achievements.

She will be remembered as a lover of people, a fighter for the voiceless, and a light for every generation she touched.

Until next time, Franny, Bubbie, Mom, We love you.