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Downers Grove, Illinois
Francesca Opre Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Francesca Opre
Sponsored by Elena & Joe and Jim & Carmel.
Mom & Dad
June 20, 2024
Our dear, beautiful daughter, Francesca. Today marks 20 years since we tragically lost you, when you were killed by a hit-and-run driver on the mean streets of Chicago, in the prime of your life at age 28. You were the most wonderful, loving woman to your family and many, many, many friends; you deserved so much better than the horrible, tragic fate that befell you.
We continue to love you and miss you every moment of every day. Rest in eternal peace, our beloved, beautiful daughter.
All our love, for eternity,
Mom and Dad.
Mom & Dad,
June 20, 2023
Our dearest Francesca,
Another year has gone by, now 19 years since we lost our beautiful daughter. Be assured that our fond memories of you have not diminished in any way. We continue to remember you every day, every hour, every minute, every second. You are always with us in mind and spirit and live on through us through our deep love for you! You had the biggest heart imaginable; you loved everybody and everything. You deserved so much better than the fate that befell you!!! We pray that you are on heaven with "Jesus and his Mommy" whom you loved so much.
Rest in peace our beautiful daughter.
All our love for eternity,
Mom and Dad
Steve Winecki
June 20, 2022
Thought about you many times this year. We (finally) moved to Colorado & my head kept going back to the time we visited you in Longmont. Miss you Franny.
Jim and Carmel Opre
June 19, 2021
Our Dearest Franny,
This is our 17th year without you and we still grieve the loss of you, we always will. You are greatly missed by your family and friends. We keep our memories of you close to our hearts. We love you very much and wish you were here.
Love,
Dad and Mom
Mario Rodriguez
June 23, 2020
I miss you, my friend. My heart goes out to your family. I try to carry your light everyday.
Carmel & Jim Opre
June 19, 2020
Our Dearest Franny,
Another year has passed, 16 years now since we lost you. The old adage, "Time heals all wounds" doesn't work for us. Our hearts are still very much wounded and we continue to miss you every day. We love you to pieces!!!!! Rest in peace dear daughter.
Mom & Dad
Steve Winecki
June 16, 2019
Miss you Franny
Carmel & Jim Opre
June 21, 2018
Dearest Franny,
June 19 & 20 have passed by once again, for the 14th time since we lost you. On these 2 saddest days of our lives, we once again remembered and prayed for our beloved daughter. While deeply saddened, we also fondly recall all the joy and happiness that you brought into our lives for a brief 28 years. Know that you live on in our minds and hearts for all eternity.
We love you!!!!!
Mom & Dad
Nicole Marsala-Letiecq
May 5, 2018
Happy birthday Fran, my peanut. You are loved and missed though I know you are only a thought away. How I wish you were still on this plane of existence as time has marched on so we could not only share the beauty of youth, but the gift of aging...gracefully, of course ;) Until we meet again, my friend.
June 20, 2017
Dearest Francesca,
Know that you are remembered, loved and cherished by us, the rest of your family and your many, many, many friends on this day, 13 years since you left us, and every other day of the year. You are forever in our minds and hearts! We miss you terribly but are comforted by the knowledge that you are forever in God's warm, loving embrace.
We are adding a third picture of you to your photo gallery, for all to enjoy.
We love you dear daughter!!!!!
Mom & Dad
Jim & Carmel Opre
June 20, 2016
Dear Ferancesca,
12 Father's Days back you left us. The saddest day of our lives. Yesterday we celebrated Father's Day 2016 with your sister, Elena, your 2 nephews and niece and the rest of our family. You were with us in spirit and remembered with much love. You live on in our hearts and minds and you are loved more than ever!
Love you dear Franny!!!
Mom & Dad
Jenna Hofer
May 9, 2016
I didn't know Fran that well, but whenever I spoke to her she was filled with so much warmth and energy. It might sound crazy, but I think my life would have been a little different (or a lot different) if she were still here. I always thought there would be more time to get to know her better and hang out more. Of course, we never know when that possibility is going to be extinguished. The last time I spoke to her she was telling me about her trip to Italy (or maybe it was France) she was going to take with her sister. I couldn't wait to see her again to ask her about it. Needless to say, I had the biggest crush on her. I think everybody did. I mean, how could you not?! She was gorgeous, so kind, and I know she lit up my life a little every time I spoke to or saw her. The world lost a lot when it lost a person like Fran.
Beth
May 5, 2016
I've spent the last two nights going through boxes of mementos, looking for a certain picture. I didn't find it, but I found this beautiful poem my mom wrote after Fran was gone.
Fran
I could always go back to that part of my life
Until it was closed, the door slammed shut.
There is a hole in my heart.
Our unity was in her eyes,
A perception of me as boundless, limitless.
I saw reflected there an exciting expectation
I was not sure I met.
But it gave me wings to fly above myself.
Oh, Fran, I want you back,
To feel what you saw in me again.
We were kind of opposites in many ways... she pushed me out of my comfort zone & encouraged me to do things that made me happy. She gave me confidence when I needed it most! She was fun, outgoing & hilarious :)
I remember we went to Toronto together & I was worried about driving the whole way. She assured me she would drive at least some of the time... I got tired after a long while & asked her to for a little bit. We pulled off the highway & she got in the drivers seat. She started to merge back onto the highway & a semi drove by us... she got freaked out & wouldn't drive anymore!
It's a great & funny memory:)
I remember the last time I saw her she introduced me to a new band she liked (she always had great taste in music & shared it with me!)
She played "Stella was a Diver" by Interpol... she inspired both my girls names!
I miss her & always will.
Love you Fran ❤
Carmel & Jim Opre
June 20, 2015
Franny, 11 years since we lost our dear daughter. You are loved and we think of you today and every day.
Love, Mom & Dad
Steve Winecki
May 5, 2015
Happy Birthday Franny :)
April 5, 2015
Dear Franny, we may not have been the closest friends, but I still consider you a damn fine friend. I think about you and that smile you always had. You always made me feel welcomed anywhere I saw you. I still miss you...
Steve Winecki
January 21, 2015
Had a dream about Fran last night. Miss you Franny.
Mary
June 21, 2014
My thoughts are with the entire Opre family today. I loved Fran so much and feel so honored that she was a part of my life. You are missed beyond words Franny.
June 20, 2014
Franny,
10 years ago today we lost you. Hard to believe it's been that long because you are in our minds and hearts every day. Your spirit lives on within us. We miss you every day of the year. Family gatherings are especially difficult when we have 10 members present where there should be 11. Auntie Franny should be with us. Rest in peace dear daughter. We love you!!!!!
Mom & Dad
Steve Winecki
April 3, 2014
Thoughts of hangin with you, Elena and other friends from high school popped in my head this evening. Miss you Franny.
June 20, 2013
Franny,
9 years ago today that we lost you. Life for us has not been the same since. We think of you every day and our terrible sense of loss is no less than it was on June 20, 2004. We love you as much as ever and we always will!
Love, Mom & Dad
Carmel & Jim Opre
June 20, 2012
Franny,
We think of you every day of the year but remember you even more so on this terrible date. We miss you and love you just as much as we did 8 years ago.
Love, Mom & Dad
Kirsty Morris
May 6, 2012
Happy Birthday Franny! Hope you know when we think of you! Loving & missing you until we meet again...xoxo
Steve Winecki
May 6, 2012
Happy Birthday Franny!
Carmel & Jim Opre
May 5, 2012
Happy Birthday Francesca!!!!! Such a blessed and happy day 36 years ago today! We think of you every day and even more on this very special day. We love you very much!!!!! Love forever,
Mom & Dad
Skrap
April 4, 2012
I just saw your sister get a tattoo in your memory. Very touching. R.I.P.
Chad Harrell
August 6, 2011
Fran,
I'm sorry I couldn't come and see you this year. I'm in New York, as you know, but I'm still missing you. I miss you and I love you.
July 12, 2011
Franny, I still miss seeing you. You always made anyone you spoke to feel special. I know there has to be angels, because you were always one...
Kirsty Morris
June 13, 2011
I think of Fran often. When I first found out she was taken too soon, it was a couple years ago, but still a couple years too late. I couldn't bear to add an entry because I felt too late...
I always envisioned us catching up later because I felt our friendship was never lost, our paths just brought us separate ways. Now that 'later' will come longer than I imagined.
This morning I was discussing my memories of my friend and her family with my children and felt the need to post.
I still think of you often Opres. Fran has never left my soul.xoxo
lanny oswalt
August 11, 2010
miss you fran
July 29, 2010
Fran was awesome. I still think of her to this day. She was lovely and sweet and kind
Jim & Carmel Opre
July 4, 2010
Dear Daughter Francesca,
Father's Day, June 20, 2004 to Father's Day, June 20, 2010. Six years exaxtly. It doesn't seem that long since we lost you, our sweet, loving daughter. Life goes on but nothing is the same without our beautiful "baby" Franny. You are in our thoughts and hearts every day of the year. We love you very, very much!
Love, Mom & Dad
Steve Winecki
May 28, 2010
Thought of you several times in the last few months. Memories that come up in conversation. There are so many random things that will make me say "that reminds me of Franny". Miss you lots!
Colleen Malloy-Reinert
August 20, 2009
Wow! I was told what happened at a time where my life was chaos and it was too late to go to anything, so it sadly, goes into the memory book of my life as another close high school friend gone with services missed. Fran was literally the first person to come up to me and talk to me when I was newly brought into a pretty large group of friends in Downers when we were all just kids. I'll always remember her so fondly and really miss her. We often ran into each other over the years and I will really miss the laughter. Each time we caught up we brought each other to tears just laughing at the goofy things we had done.
Janet Opre
June 23, 2009
I think of you all so often. I knew the date was in June. I've been here so often and just couldn't figure out what to say. I was in Downers Grove the first Christmas after Franny left. I had your number in my hand but just couldn't feel right about visiting. Instead I sat at Starbucks and waited for the train. My daughter (Savannah, 13) has shown the LA Ink episode to all her friends. She really wants to meet Elena because she "seems so cool". I'm happy to hear Elena is now a mom. Life does go on and even though Franny and I were just email friends for a bit; I experience reminders of her often. Sometimes its the mention of her name or seeing another person with that precious free spirit way about them. I imagine you hear her laughter in your thoughts. No doubt she's near. I pray continual blessings on your family.
Jim & Carmel Opre
June 19, 2009
Dearest Franny,
It's hard to believe its been 5 years since you were taken from us. You were a loving, wonderful daughter and we were and still are very proud of you. You'd love your nephew, Micah. We will tell him all about his amazing Aunt Franny, for sure! We miss you terribly and we'll love you always.
Love, Mom & Dad
vera Principe
March 29, 2009
you are a proud auntie now to baby Micah and I know you are very busy watching over him. what a cool guardian angel he has!!
say hi to Dan and behave yourselves up there!!
Steve Winecki
March 28, 2009
I miss you Franny!
vera principe
June 2, 2008
you would not only be proud of elena and joe for their accomplishments, but you would be so proud of your Ruby. she loves to play and mom and dad have made a happy home for her. and she plays with dante well.
sincerely, vera principe
Steve Winecki
May 30, 2008
I had a dream about Fran last night. Myself and a group of friends went to a bar where Fran and Elena were both hanging out. I was so excited to see Fran that I could barely say anything and just hugged her & wouldn't let go.
I think of you often Franny!
Jim & Carmel Opre
May 5, 2008
Happy 32nd Birthday Franny!!!!! We will be celebrating your life today with your friends. Wish you could be with us at Delilah's. We miss you very, very, very much.
Love, Mom & Dad
Kristina Watanabe
November 14, 2007
I just wanted the family to know that I think of Fran often. I was at a wedding just a week ago, and her name came up. We shared some funny Fran stories. It still saddens me that she's gone physically, but she will never be gone from our hearts and minds.
Nicole Marsala
November 11, 2007
Hi Peanut,
I found our Christmas crowns today in my drawer. I miss you so much.
Coolie
Mary Howard
June 26, 2007
I miss you so much. I heard there was a new Harry Potter movie coming out. No, I have not read any of them yet. I know I know, you would be so dissapointed in me.
I am always thinking of you and loving you!
M.
vera principe
June 22, 2007
fran, you are in the minds and hearts of your precious family and friends. you didn't leave that day, you just moved to heaven without telling anyone!!
Jim Opre
June 21, 2007
Franny,
It was 3 years ago, yesterday, that you left us. You are loved and missed more than ever. You will live on in my mind and heart as long as I live and breathe. I love you, Dad
Nicole Marsala
June 17, 2007
Hi peanut,
I thought of you all day today because Father's Day was the day that you left us.
I was playing with my 4 year old niece in the yard and she yelled out to me while she was misting the plants with the hose " Look at all the rainbows Auntie Nicole!! Angels sit on rainbows!". Funny how children know. I miss you doll. xoxox, Coolie
Jim & Carmel Opre
May 5, 2007
Happy Birthday Franny!! You brought us great joy 31 years ago today, and the memories of our time together wih you continue to bring us joy and happiness. You are loved and missed greatly. Peace be with you. We love you!
Mom & Dad
Jordy Verill
February 1, 2007
Fran. will never believe ever. only incident in my life I cannot accept.
Jim Opre
December 26, 2006
Dearest Francesca,
Merry Christmas my sweet angel. We gathered as a family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It was wonderful but also very sad. Sad because you were not with us, at your favorite time of year. You are loved deeply and missed terribly, every day of the year.
Eternal love, Dad
Kelly Sebastian (McCague)
December 2, 2006
Hi Franny,
I miss you, I love you, and I always think about you! You and I lost contact for some time, only because we lived so far apart. But I know I would never forget the many funny and unforgettable moments we had together. You will always be that someone special to me.
Love always,
Kelly
Jennifer Murphy
November 19, 2006
Dearest Fran,
I'm not sure what made me think of you today. Without any real reason, you just popped into my head. Sometimes it's a Guns n' Roses song on the radio, once it was a man wearing a big belt buckle with the Virgin of Guadalupe on it. Maybe today it's the thought of the holidays approaching and how much you loved this time of year. Whatever the reason, I am grateful to have my memories of you. I miss you Frannypants.
Natalie Slater
September 13, 2006
Fran, I have your picture on my shelf and I see your smiling face every day. I wish you could be here to meet my son, he would think you're so funny. I think about you all the time, I hope you're somewhere laughing and eating Thai food.
Nicole Marsala
August 18, 2006
Franny, I found the funniest birthday card that you gave me and I have to go out today to find a frame to put it in. I only wish we actually thought to take more pictures together : ( I miss you terribly, my peanut. Love, Coolie
mary rittenhouse
August 17, 2006
the other day i thought about the time asia (one very goofy malamute) got into your little prayer corner and ate the rotten egg you had sitting out for an offering for 2 months. i think that was the hardest we ever laughed...
i miss you so much everyday.
you still are constantly bringing a smile to my face!
mary
vera principe
August 17, 2006
fran.
you are so beautiful in your pictures. i can see you in elena's smile, your mom's eyes and your dad's warmth. you are always remembered and live amongst your family and friends.
sincerely, vera principe
A beautiful woman, in all ways.
Jim & Carmel Opre
August 15, 2006
Hi Franny,
We're adding a second photo to your gallery to keep the memory of you strong for all who visit. It's the one from your Marlboro shoot -- one of our favorites. You are beautiful!
Love, Mom & Dad
Melanie Maron
June 28, 2006
Every time I see a rainbow, I think of you, Franny. I saw a beautiful one yesterday, and it made me smile.
Joanna Hoder
April 28, 2006
I have known Fran since grade school. Sadly I lost touch with her after High School. I remember her as a wonderful person, and was very sad to her of her accident. My heart goes out to her parents and sister.Rest in peace.
Joseph and Susan Malacina
April 1, 2006
We just today learned of your accident. Needless to say we were saddened. You will be in our prayers as well as your Dad, Mom and Sister.
Nicole Marsala
January 26, 2006
Franny, I've been thinking of you, baby girl. The other day in a parking lot I looked down and at my feet was a little Our Lady of Guadalupe medal. It made me think of you and smile. I miss you.
John Opre
January 24, 2006
Frannie,
Now that I have retired I have time to think about alot of things. And during my many thoughts you and your family came to mind. Just thought I would see if your book was still up and let you and your family know you are still in our thoughts.
Isten Áldd Meg a Magyart!
Cuz John
Melanie Maron
July 15, 2005
Franny, you have been on my mind all day, and it's been making me smile. I just wanted you to know that. xox
Nicole Marsala
June 28, 2005
Franny,
I can hardly believe it has been a year since you left us. We all miss you so much. I smile and laugh to myself whenever I see a box of Barilla Pasta and remember you telling me over and over again how much you love Barilla! It makes me giggle every time! I also think back to my birthday a few years ago when Cookie and Brian were my "strippers" and you were there, egging them on and making me laugh! I still have the Gene Simmons lighter you gave me that night on my table. There are too many memories and good times to even write, but know that I miss you and love you dearly. Love, Coolie
vera principe
June 18, 2005
at this time, its hard to believe its been a year since you left. your family has bravely tried to go forward, always with you in mind. look over them and keep them safe. you would be so proud of elena trying to get through her wedding plans and she is doing a hell of a job. its got to be so hard for her without you.
alwyas, vera principe
John Opre
June 18, 2005
I just was thinking of your Dad and Mom and felt I had to say even though we never personally met you will be thought of often and are one of our family angels...
Cousin John
tija altergott
June 17, 2005
Frannie touched many lives. I hope she knows how much she is loved and remembered.
Alicia Tomaszewski
May 11, 2005
Frannie,
Happy Belated Birthday, Sweetie! Sorry I wasn't at your party. Was at a wedding in Hawaii. I called Delilah's for a dial-a-shot, but no answer. I'm assuming they were so slammed with your party guests that they couldn't answer the phone. So, Bill and I had our own little toast to you. We love and miss you dearly.
Eve Runnels
May 7, 2005
I want to thank your family Fran, for sharing their lives with your extended family just as you shared yours - with love, humor, wisdom, and sincerity.
We all celebrated your birthday on May 5th. I thought it would be sad, but it wasn't. How could it be sad to be with so many people who loved you and wanted to celebrate you. You live on in our hearts and in our memories. That will never change.
I really miss you Frannie. I see your smile when I see your picture and if I need a smile at work, all I have to do is look up from my desk and see you smiling back at me. Sometimes that's all it takes to put things in perspective. Happy Birthday Fran...
Mary
May 6, 2005
I know I am a day late but I wanted to say Happy BIrthday beautiful girl. The baby and I had a lil birthday party for you at the house and than I told him about the time we had a wrestling match at Foster beach and were both taken out by a rottweiler missing a paw! He seemed to think it was funny. I miss you so much, you were one of my truest friends and I will always fill the loss.
Hope you had a wonderful birthday.
Jesus paraphenlia must be easy to come by where you are at huh???
Steve Winecki
May 5, 2005
I woke up this morning to the most incredible dream. I grew up around the corner from Fran. I dreamt that I was walking down the road, across the street from Fran's house. I looked at Frannie's house and saw her dad cutting the grass on a riding lawn mower. I looked at him and said "Tell Fran Happy Birthday." The scene changed to inside her house where everyone was getting ready for a party. I looked outside and saw so many people gathered in the back yard ready to celerate.
In the back of my mind I knew that May 5th was Fran's b-day but hadn't really thought about it in the last couple days. In fact, I wasn't sure of the date until I woke up, saw that it was the 5th, and remembered that today really was her birthday.
When I came downstairs this morning, I wished her a happy birthday out loud and couldn't help but cry.
Fran, I miss you and I love you.
Stever Beaver
Diane Bruosta
May 5, 2005
Dear Franie,
Today is your birthday. What a joyous day when you came into the world - your Parents,Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins were thrilled! Even though our hearts have this unimaginable hole because you are not physically with us, we know you are with us, in the shelter of our Dear Lord's love. We love you and miss you so much,
Auntie Janice and Auntie Diane
vera principe
April 2, 2005
fran, we celebrated easter together with your mom, dad and elena at my daughter maria's house. you where with us there and you are with us always. i could see that glint of sadness in your families eyes even though they are trying to get on with thier lives. look over them and give them strength and courage. they are such good people like you where.
love, vera
Jennifer Starr Murphy
April 1, 2005
Dearest Fran,
I miss you. I miss you so much. Sometimes I think I see you at the grocery store or riding a bike and I think "Hey...there's Fran!" "HI Fran!" I want it to be you. I get so angry when I remember that it can't be you. I never knew how much it would hurt to not be able to say goodbye to you. I hope you know that you were an inspiriation in my life and that I think of you all the time. Summer is coming and it won't be the same without you. Although nothing is really the same without you anymore.
I miss you and I remember you, every day.
j
Katsuhiko Saito
February 6, 2005
Jim-san, Carmel-san and Elena-san,
It has been passed 7 months already. But the 7 months are not enough to remove the pain of your heart. Even 7 years will be unable to work off your sorrow, I believe.
The messages in the Guest Book for Francesca show that how she spent her 28 year life with love of the family and many good friends. I believe she spent a good life although the life of 28 years was too short.
In the photo of the Guest Book, she looks so smart and cool and her smile is so charming. Her smile will remain in our heart forever. I am jealous of all people who know the smile of Francesca in life.
Jim-san, Francesca would hope your further vigorous and high-spirited life at the age of 60. In Japan, the age of 60 is called as "Kan Reki" that means the age people can re-start their life. You are at the start-line.
vera principe
February 3, 2005
DEAR FRAN, THE HOLIDAYS HAVE PASSED AND WE CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS AT MY HOUSE WITH YOUR MOM AND DAD AND ELENA. YOU WHERE WITH US THAT NIGHT AND EVERYTIME WE ARE TOGETHER. YOUR DAD GAVE ME A FAMILY PICTURE WITH YOU IN IT AND I HAVE IT UP IN MY HOUSE. I AM SO PROUD TO HAVE MY SON MARRY YOUR SISTER, ELENA. YOU WILL BE WITH US IN THE WEDDING PLANS AND ON THE DAY ITSELF. YOU ARE PART OF OUR FAMILY TOO. LOOK OVER US AND MAKE SURE WE DON'T GET TOO SILLY OR TO SAD. WE ARE WITH YOU ALWAYS AND YOU WITH US, FOR WE ARE FAMILY.!!
LOVE, VERA PRINCIPE (JOE'S MOM)
Alicia Tomaszewski
February 3, 2005
Fran,
Your Dad expresses the feelings that everyone has. We all miss you,and you will never be forgotten. Your presence was greatly felt at the girl's gift exchange. I know you were there with us, laughing along with us. I miss you, and love you.
Alicia
Mary Rittenhouse
February 3, 2005
I know I have already signed this once but I feel compelled to do it again. Not a day goes by that I dont think about Fran. I am having a baby any day now and I cant wait to be able to show the baby pictures and tell him just how cool she was. She will be remembered not in only the hearts and minds of the people who knew her but also in the people who never were as fortunate to meet her. I wish so much that she was here right now for the birth of my baby. When I told her I was pregnant she actually squealed!! She said she was going to spoil the baby and I know she would have done just that. Ryan and I miss you so very much Fran and we think about you all the time. Our love and thoughts go out to her family. We hope you are all doing well.
Love,
Mary, Ryan and baby Jude
Jim Opre
February 1, 2005
My Dearest Francesca,
No entries here for almost 6 months. That can only mean that people are not able to find this website. I know you are not forgotten. You're remembered and loved by 100s of friends and family. Most of all by Elena, Mom and me. It was terrible not to have you with us at Christmas, your favorite holiday. We'll be celebrating my 60th birthday soon, but it won't be a very happy occasion without you. There is so much more I could say, but maybe this is not the place. Know that you are deeply loved and you will always be alive in my mind and heart, until I join you in heaven. Eternal love, Dad
Loomis Mayfield
August 19, 2004
I was away and only recently learned of this terrible news. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for this horrible tragedy.
Katsuhiko Saito
July 26, 2004
I deeply regret the passing of Francesca. Please accept my deep sympathy and sincere condolence.
Jennifer Starr Murphy
July 23, 2004
I was overwhelmed with sadness when I learned of Fran's passing. My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to her family and friends. I loved Fran dearly and being able to call her my friend was one of the most rewarding gifts of my life. My memories of Fran span over a decade and all of them are cherished. I will never forget her smile, her sense of humor or her compassion for others. I wish so much that she were still here. I hope she knew how deeply she touched my life and how very much I cared for her. I miss you so much Fran.
Jim and Arlon Fuerholzer
July 13, 2004
Jim and Carmel:
Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your daughter. We will remember her in our prayers.
R
July 10, 2004
You are an angel.
John Opre
July 9, 2004
Cousin Jim, Carmel and Elena,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you. I can not imagine the emotions and pain you are feeling. To lose a child in it self has to be the most painful thing I could imagine but under such circumstances I could only imagine the added grief. I know there is no words I could say that could make you feel any better. However I do want you to know that I wish I could have been there for you, Carmel and Elena. Just reading the letter made my heart sink. It is regrettable that the last few times we have corresponded that the subject matter was one of that announced the loss of a family member.
From your description I can say to have met her would have been a joy. Please keep those great thoughts and memories with you daily.
Again My deepest sympathy goes out to each of you.
Cuz John and Wanda
Elizabeth Davis
July 9, 2004
Fran and I were inseparable until I met my husband. We always kept in touch and whenever we spoke or saw each other it was like no time had past. We led very different lives, but for some reason we always fit with each other. I am thankful for every moment I was able to spend with Fran. There is a huge, empty hole in my heart without her. On the day of her funeral, I was picking up my son, Simon, he was worried about me crying. He said, "It's OK Mom, Fran is my angel now." And I know she is.
Jerry Vasek
July 2, 2004
Dear Jim and Carmel,
I don’t know where to begin. There is never a good way to express sorrow and grief when such a tragedy occurs. This tragedy takes the breath out of the living and it makes my heart stop with grief. I truly understand your pain and sorrow. The clouds of loneliness hang very low at this time and the emptiness seems eternal.
Fran was a lovely person and she was as kind and generous as the both of you. She will never be forgotten, she will continue in the hearts of many people.
With the passage of time the pain lessons and the clouds of sorrow begin to part. I know that God will help you in lifting the burden of your sorrow; it just takes a little time. Our heartfelt prayers are with you and Carmel and all the people who have been touched by this tragedy.
Sincerely
Jerry Vasek
alexander alexander
June 30, 2004
There aren't enough words to describe the pain that we feel by you not being here. We can only get by with the memories that we can share
with ourselves, and there are more than enough. Thank You, Fran
I'll miss you. love, Alex
steven karras
June 30, 2004
Dear Mr. and Mrs Opre,
I was fortunate to know your daughter through her friend Sasha Moore, who absolutely adored Fran. It wasn't long after meeting Fran that I realized she was all of the nice words I had ever heard said about her. My thoughts and most profound condolences are with your family and your daughter's many, many friends and loved ones.
Steven Karras
emily schultz
June 29, 2004
To the Opre Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Elena I value our friendship and am greatful that I got to know your beautiful sister.
Fingers and Mo Vogel
June 29, 2004
We love you. We will miss you. The world will never be the same without you.
Tiffany Soo
June 29, 2004
Dear Jim, Carmel and Elena- I thought that you should know that while gathering outside with many of Fran's friends and family right before the prayer service, it began to drizzle and there was not a rain clound in the sky. What happened next was a double rainbow with yet another larger one on top of it. I believe it was Fran showing us all of her beautiful colors in miraculous splendor and letting us know that she knew how much we will all loved her and will miss her. Best wishes, I admire all of your strenght.-Tiffany
Eric Borys
June 28, 2004
I've been a patron of Delilah's for many years and seeing Fran on Friday nights something I counted on. I will forever miss Fran's radiant smile and the warmth of her heart. I felt her a friend even in our briefest of conversations. A touch on the shoulder from her, just saying hello, could turn a bad day to a good one. A truly beautiful human being I will never forget.
Ben Kratzer
June 28, 2004
Fran was always my favorite grade school buddy to run into in the city. We had a cool connection in 5th or 6th grade because we were the only 2 in our grade that thought The Who was cooler than New Kids on the Block, and every time I saw her, it was right back to that connection. I’ll miss seeing her very much. Mr. and Mrs. Opre, Elena, Bobby and Ruby, my thoughts and love are with you.
Ben Kratzer
vera principe
June 28, 2004
Dear Jim, Carmel, and Elena,
I was so looking forword to meeting Fran at our family get together in July for the feast of OUR Lady Of Mt. Carmel. We will put her picture on one of the candelhouses and she will march with us in the procession honoring Our Lady.
Love and sympathy to a wonderful family.
Vera Principe
Joe Principe
June 27, 2004
Jim, Carmel, and Elena
Franny's been gracing the warped tour stage everyday. I put her picture on my amp. So many of my friends on this tour have been coming up to me sending their condolences to you guys. Just wanted you to know. Ill talk to you guys really soon. Love you guys.
Ro Rijhsinghani
June 27, 2004
Dear Jim, Carmel and Elena,
I met Fran two years ago and was not fortunate enough to know her as well as so many other people whose lives she touched on a daily basis. During the short time that I knew her I instantly discovered what an intelligent, beautiful, and sweet soul that she was. Franny had the special gift of putting others at ease, be it with her stunning smile, her words, or the simple fact the she was standing next to you.
My deepest condolences go out to all of her family and friends in this most difficult time. Fran is in a better place now and is smiling down on all of us every day. She is an Angel and no one will ever forget her. I know I won't.
Joshua Friedman
June 27, 2004
I didn't know her, but a friend did. And after seing her smile, and reading what has been said about her, I can only imagine what a wonderful person she was. My thoughts go out to her family and friends !
David Donnelly
June 26, 2004
I had a funny dream the other night that Franny was chasing Mouse across a cloud. We all miss her and will continue to miss her very much.
Lynne Rigazio Mau
June 26, 2004
I only met Fran one brief time, but I know how much my daughter, Natalie, loved her. Fran's impact on Natalie's life was remarkable and eternal. My heart aches for all who loved her so dearly.
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