Frances Regan Obituary

Regan, Frances Harriet Kimball Went to meet God and be reunited with members of her family and countless friends on June 17, 2013. She was born in Chicago to Raymond and Loretta Kimball and was the youngest of three sisters, Eleanor (John) Kehoe and Sr. Jeanette Kimball RSCJ. While she lived in other places, she loved Chicago; so much so that she had stationary printed that proclaimed: "Once you leave Chicago you ain't going nowhere." Married to Lewis B. Regan, Frances was the devoted mother of Janet, Ed (Heidi), Julia (Andrew) Gaskill, Lucia (Joyce Schwensen), Michael (Jean) and Kate; doting grandmother to the Klich children, John (Kelly), Kevin, Christopher (Holly), and Joseph (Ashli), the Regan children, Dana, Kelley, Patrick and Joseph, the Gaskill children, Alan and Lauren, and the Regan-Schwensen children, Jeanette and Betty and beloved great-grandmother of three; she was the fond aunt of many. Nicknamed "Doodle Bug" as a child, because of her zest for life, Frances expressed her love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in a passionate and unconditional manner. She never tired of reminding her family how she felt and believed in us and the words "I love you!" were uttered more times than we can remember; in fact, we're pretty sure we stopped counting after it exceeded one million times. Frances understood the importance of education. She loved her time at Sacred Heart Pine Grove Academy, Barat College, and the University of Chicago, and she completed graduate studies in psychiatric social work at the University of Chicago during World War II. This was a significant accomplishment at the time as it was a new field that paved the way for Social Workers. After her children were raised, she returned to the University of Texas to get her Masters' in Education. During her time in Chicago she also was a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools and worked with children with reading issues. As a third order Dominican, Frances also extolled the values and virtues of serving others. Wherever she went, she had kind words and a gentle spirit for others, and was always looking for the good in people. There are numerous stories about how Frances could overlook a person's shortcomings and focus on their worth and value as one of God's Children. Overall, Frances was a beautiful woman who loved life, embraced people, and most importantly, was a woman with a deep and abiding faith in the Lord and St. Anthony. She left us very peacefully to experience the joy of being embraced by Jesus as she is reunited with her family and friends in Heaven. We look to the future with a renewed and deeper awareness that Heaven is all the richer and that our welcome there, whenever it comes, will be all the warmer as Frances greets us at the Gates standing right next to Jesus.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jun. 23, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Fran was always glad to see my mother, sister and me. She is not forgotten, We were fortunate to have her in our lives.
Janet, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family daily.

Catherine Roche

Friend

June 17, 2020

I did not Know this very accomplished woman, however I did know Kate♥♥, her beautiful daughter, who has also passed. She must have been such a wonderful mother, because she raised such a great daughter. I miss Katie so very much...

Sylvia Curiel

June 17, 2020

Rest in peace, Fran. You are sorely missed.

Cathy Roche

June 17, 2019

Dear Janet,
I just recently found out your mother had passed away. Please accept my sympathies.I always enjoyed her spirit. she and her sister were so excited when I asked them to my wedding. I am sure she and my mother are enjoying some good conversations. fondly trudy sullivan schneider

September 12, 2013

Dear Nancy,

Your Aunt Frances was a remarkable woman! It was always a treat to see her at a Sacred Heart function looking stunning in one her beautiful hats! I send to you and all of her family my heartfelt sympathies. May she rest in peace.

Maureen E. Ryan, BC'81
AASH Past President 2011-2013

August 4, 2013

Dearest Katie,
Our thoughts & prayers go to you now. You're mother's obituary was lovely. She must have been such a beautiful woman to have raised beautiful YOU. You're part of her legacy, a true compliment to this lady. .... You & I will speak soon again Love to ou & Mary


Syl & Gary

June 27, 2013

Sincerest sympathies are extended to my dear friend Janet and her family. Blessings from the Skies be upon you all as you move through this Rite of Passage. I remember meeting Frances (as she was called "Gurny" by the Klich grandsons!) and thinking how this woman was integrated in the lives of so many! She always had a story to share and was always interested in my graduate school studies. Frances, may you now leave your mark in Heaven and have a stimulating conversation with St. Anthony!

June 24, 2013

My dear friend Lucia and family,
We are so sad to learn of your mom's passing. I will always remember her as vibrant, kind, welcoming and filled with laughter and joy. Having lost my mom recently I know how you feel. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dr's Beverly Greene & Margaret Charmoli

Beverly Greene

June 24, 2013

The beautiful Obituary is so well written,has brought heartache & tears.

Sonja Marsh

June 23, 2013

Deepest sympathies Ed and Heidi. 'Repose en paix' Mrs. Regan, as heaven just received an upgrade!

Mimi and Glen

June 23, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I remember your mom and the dinners my mom, sister and I had years ago at your house, she was always so happy to see us, and we always felt welcomed.

Take care,

Cathy Roche

Cathy Roche

June 23, 2013

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