Born on July 1, 1980, on the South Side of Chicago, Jen grew up alongside her beloved twin sister, Jill Franks. A gifted student, she earned her Juris Doctor and passed the bar exam on her first attempt. Naturally industrious and endlessly curious, Jen went on to explore a wide range of industries throughout her career, excelling in every path she pursued.
Her sense of adventure eventually led her to Melbourne, Australia, where she earned her Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management, built a vibrant new community, and met her husband, Peter de Sousa. Jen traveled extensively across the globe—from Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, and Indonesia to Portugal, Africa, and South America—before eventually settling in Colorado, where she loved the mountains and the life she shared with Peter and their two cats, Archie and Simba.
Disciplined yet carefree, Jen loved challenging her body—whether through long-distance running, working out, or hiking in the mountains—and was always eager to push her limits and test herself. Known for her infectious smile and boundless optimism, she brought warmth, energy, and a deep love for animals and new experiences to everyone around her.
Jen is survived by her husband, Peter de Sousa; her sister, Jill Franks; and her father, John Michael Franks. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marlene Christine Leksna.
A private family gathering will be held in Colorado. Flowers are warmly welcomed, or those who wish may make a memorial donation to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya in honor of the elephants she loved so deeply.
