Frances Derow
It is with profound sorrow that I announce the passing of my beloved wife, Frances, who left us at the age of 80. Her life was a testament to generosity, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and every endeavor she undertook.
Frances began her illustrious career as a teacher in Chicago, where she worked at Aldridge Elementary School. There, she was instrumental in developing a remedial reading program designed to support young, impoverished, and disadvantaged students living in Altgeld Gardens, a housing project on the far south side of the city. Her principal and mentor during those formative years was Chesna Weisburg, whose influence helped shape her commitment to education.
Frances’ devotion to her students extended well beyond the classroom. Over her remarkable 32 years with the Chicago Board of Education, she also took a year-long leave of absence to pursue her passion for law. She obtained a degree from Roosevelt University and worked as a paralegal in the Chicago Loop, where she received high praise from Bill Levitt, who greatly admired her skills and wished to retain her on his staff.
However, her heart ultimately led her back to the classroom, where she continued to inspire students until her retirement in 2000.
Frances will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments but also for the love and warmth she brought to every aspect of her life.
As noted in the introduction, Fran’s early life as a dedicated teacher laid the foundation for a rich and meaningful journey. Born in 1945, Frances was a cherished member of the Frank Gorey family, which included her father Frank, a devoted fireman, her mother Ann, a talented hairdresser, her brother Donnie, who worked at Acme Steel, and her beloved sister Kathy, who now resides in Indiana at the Lake of Four Seasons. Kathy was truly Fran’s angel-their bond was deep, filled with mutual love and respect, and they consistently maintained a close connection throughout their lives.
Fran’s most treasured relationship was with her daughter, Denise, her only child.
Denise has followed in Fran’s footsteps, becoming a hardworking ultrasound technician at Chandler Hospital, earning her mother’s pride and admiration. Fran always regarded Denise as an exceptionally intelligent and academically gifted daughter, and they shared an unwavering love for animals. While Denise finds joy in the companionship of her three Yorkies-Marley, Vinnie, and Ricky-Fran adored her two Russian Blue cats, Archie and Mookie, who brought her immense joy.
In 2000, after retiring early, Fran and her husband Gene made the move to Arizona, where she embarked on a fulfilling part-time career at Trader Joe’s. Her 25 years at the store were marked by unwavering dedication-she never missed a day of work and consistently received stellar reviews. Fran loved her job dearly, relishing the camaraderie with her coworkers and the delightful interactions with customers who quickly grew to love her warm spirit.
Tragically, on July 4th, during the anniversary of her wedding, Fran experienced a seizure and was admitted to HonorHealth Hospital at Thompson Peak. While battling pneumonia and sepsis, she passed away on July 7, 2025.
In conclusion, Fran was a loving and hardworking wife, and I will deeply miss her. She was a truly special person with countless remarkable attributes. There will never be another like her. The successes I have achieved in my life are all thanks to Fran-she was my guiding light, my inspiration, and my shoulder to cry on.
Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, especially when that person was as kind, as charitable and remarkable as my wife, Frances. She touched the lives of many- her students, her colleagues and her family, leaving an indelible mark on anyone she encountered.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Frances’ favorite charities. Honor Fran’s legacy; your gift can make a difference in countless lives. Donate today.
Contact: Gened00007@gmail.com. (For more information)