Funeral Details

Fran Brown

December 11, 1945 - August 10, 2026

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Service

Chicago Jewish Funerals
Skokie Chapel
8851 Skokie Boulevard
Skokie, Illinois 60077
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Clergy

Rabbi Tzvi Montrose

Interment

Memorial Park Cemetery
9900 Gross Point Road
Skokie, Illinois 60076
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Shiva

Chicago Jewish Funerals
8851 Skokie Boulevard
Skokie, Illinois 60077
Get Directions
Following the interment until 4PM

Memorial Contributions

Jewish United Fund (JUF)
30 South Wells Street
Chicago, Illinois 60606
www.juf.org




OBITUARY

Fran Brown nee Garfield, age 80.

Beloved wife of Jim Brown. Dear mother of Chelsea (Ryan Glew) Brown and Avril (Jesse) Kulla. Proud Grandma/Nana of Mia, Zelda, and Thyra. Bonus Grandma to Tommy. Cherished sister of Rayna (the late Joe) Forman and adored daughter of the late Sorrell and Ted Garfield. Feisty aunt of many nieces and nephews and an endearing friend to many.

Fran was a purveyor of words, a master of speech inflection, a character, a “trip,” and a person who always thought of others first. She was dramatic without causing drama. She was fancy and fashionable, had no filter, and was friendly with servers, store clerks, postal workers, and countless others. She was an outstanding cook, and many of her dishes will be sweet and savory memories for friends and loved ones. She was a bright star that will forever light up the hearts of those fortunate to know and love her.

Service Thursday 10 AM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd (at Niles Center Road), Skokie. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jewish United Fund (JUF), 30 South Wells St, Chicago, Illinois 60606, www.juf.org. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


GUEST BOOK

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Fran and I were first cousins, two of many from a family of five sisters and one brother. My immediate family moved from Chicago when Fran and I both were eight years old. Nevertheless, through those many decades that followed, we always managed to stay in touch and see each other every so often, the last time being a couple years ago in Seattle at a family reunion. Our entire family - all the first cousins, their spouses and progeny - is sad. But we have lots of memories that will endure and will concentrate on those. Sending love and strength to the Browns and all. Roger and Fay

Roger Pondel
August 10, 2026
I am another first cousin, from the Seattle branch of the family. I remember Fran coming for a visit to Seattle when I was pretty young, and oh was she nice to an adoring small cousin. I was dazzled by her at the time, and remained so even as I grew older. I was so pleased to see Fran at the family reunion in Seattle, she sparkled as ever. My Dad Neal, (Uncle Nick), and Mom, Aunt Elaine, taught us the importance of family ties. My cousins all lived far away, but whenever we were, and are together, that family love shines through, and it is as if no time has passed since the last time we saw or spoke to one another. Fran was a treasure, and I’ll miss her presence very much. May all the wonderous times she bestowed on us, her family both close and extended, remain a blessing to us all. All our love to the Brown family, and to our extended family, Ellen and Doug Fair

Ellen Fair
August 10, 2026
My deepest sympathy to Fran’s family on her passing. I had the pleasure to know and work with her at Scott Foresman and Everyday Learning. She was an inspiring friend and co-worker and was always pleasant and kind not only to me but also to everyone she met. May she rest in peace.

Rosemary Baker
August 11, 2026
I met Fran in the early 1970’s, I thought she was so elegant and worldly, with a voice and posture that conveyed pure confidence. She was funny, chic, kind, and of course, beautiful. The days won’t be as bright without Fran, but we who had a friendship at any stage of our lives, had a true friend. I will remember our early years together with great fondness.

Trish Lapkus
August 11, 2026
I met Fran in the early 1970’s, I thought she was so elegant and worldly, with a voice and posture that conveyed pure confidence. She was funny, chic, kind, and of course, beautiful. The days won’t be as bright without Fran, but we who had a friendship at any stage of our lives, had a true friend. I will remember our early years together with great fondness.

Trish Lapkus
August 11, 2026
Jim,

I am so very sorry to hear about about Fran. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very sad time!

Ryan Zimmerman
August 12, 2026
Dear Jim & Family,

Please accept my deepest sympathies on the death of Fran. May her memory be a blessing.

Patti Levy
August 12, 2026
I was fortunate to meet Fran when I was 12, and was blessed to know her all these years later. She was quick with a joke and a smile — the sweetest version of “takes no guff” there has ever been. Her marriage was one I long admired and served as a model for me before I was old enough to realize. She and Jim gave each other so much joy; that was apparent to anyone around them.

Fran was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, sister, grandmother and host. I enjoyed some Thanksgiving and Christmas visits over the years. May her memory be a blessing — I know that it will! Our condolences to the Brown family. Rest in Peace, Fran. Thank you for the fun!

With love,
Jack & Rosemary

Jack and Rosemary Silverstein
August 12, 2026
Beautiful Franny,
Wonderful memories of our summers together.
Fieisty "pinky" her nickname. Rosie cheeks and beautiful platinum blond hair. She wanted to be a big girl like Rayna and I. Definitely outspoken and always let us know when she felt she-wasn't included. She always found a way to be part of what she wanted!
For years, Franny wanted to be the older Cousin until,
one day finally, she loved being the younger one.
Rayna and I finally were the old ones. I was reminded whenever we chatted.
Franny's memories will always fill my heart.
She will be missed. ❤️‍🩹

Louise Ober Fox
August 12, 2026
Fran was more than a dear friend, she was a kindred spirit. She loved travel, shopping, cooking, and most of all, her family and friends. She always spoke her mind, but never unkindly. Sweet, stylish, funny. I will miss her deeply.

Shahrzad Mahootian
August 13, 2026
Avi and Chelsea rendered a vivid and complex portrait of their mother, and my beloved cousin, Frannie. The rabbi's sermon offered a sense of completion. It was a beautiful service, and I felt that I was actually there, and not viewing it remotely. My love to them all: the daughters, the grandchildren, Jim, and Rayna.

liz garfield
August 13, 2026
I was fortunate to have lived in Chicago until 1963 so we Garfield families were together on many occasions for 18 years. She was little "Pinky" and always had a twinkle in her eye.

We celebrated many holidays and other happy times together: me, my father, Paul, Sol's older brother, my mother, Minnie, Liz, Rayna, and Aunt Sorrell. Happily, Jim and

Franny were in Scottsdale just a few months ago, so Myrna and I had a delightful dinner with her and Jim. Never did I think that it would be the last time.

David Garfield
August 13, 2026