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Margaret (Taylor) Franzman ("Marge") began her eternal life with Christ Monday, February 23, 2015, one month shy of her 102nd birthday, after experiencing all she could during the time God gave her on earth. She was born in Chicago, Illinois March 22, 1913, the beloved only child of the late Cecilia (Schreck) and Thomas Richard Taylor. She was the widow of Henry Bernard Franzman. Marge is survived by her children Mary Lucy (Franzman) Stearns, Stone Mountain, GA, and Father Thomas Richard Franzman Chicago, IL; by her grandchildren Katherine Radford Stearns, Stone Mountain, GA, Kristine Radford (Stearns) Lively (Ty), Knoxville, TN, Thomas Radford Stearns (Elizabeth), Atlanta, GA; great-grandchildren Chase Radford Lively, Knoxville, TN and Ava Grace Canales, Atlanta, GA; and "adopted" granddaughters Ana Marie Silva, Stone Mountain, GA and Sister Michele Dvorak, PHJC, East Chicago, IN. A graduate of Loyola University, Margaret received her M. ED. in 1956 and a "Doctor of Durability" degree in 1993. She taught 37 years for the Chicago Public School System, but remained the longest at Stockton Elementary School and retired from there in 1978. She began as a first grade teacher and later became involved in counseling and testing. She was active in her parish, St. Margaret Mary, and in the West Ridge historic neighborhood where she had lived since 1927. Although she moved to Georgia in 2005, Margaret never forgot the Chicago she loved. She read "The Chicago Tribune" daily and watched WGN twice a day on cable television. In Georgia she became a member of St. Stephen the Martyr parish and made new friends. Her Chicago "family" visited and telephoned, but she outlived all but a few friends and relatives. She had a smile about her that would light up a room. She would often say, "My friends in heaven must think I went to the other place when they don't see me in heaven---I have lived so long." When a grandchild would ask who her favorite grandchild was, she would respond, " You are, but don't tell the others; I don't want to hurt their feelings." Marge waited until the age of 100 to try her first banana split. Once she tried it she never looked back, enjoying ice cream every night after dinner until the last week of her life. Even though she was confined to a wheel chair during her last year her mind remained good even as her body became frail. Very devoted to her Catholic faith and the Blessed Mother, she would pray the rosary and participate in the Mass on EWTN daily. The final day of her life with her family by her side she listened to the Rosary one last time and as the credits rolled she took her last breath on this earth. The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks and appreciation to Esther Grimes for the tremendous love and care shown to Marge over the years, especially in her final days. Marge will be missed greatly by those whose lives she has touched. Let us remember that we need not mourn when women such as she are lost to us, but rather celebrate their lives and love. The Visitation for Margaret Taylor Franzman will be held Saturday, February 28 at 10 a.m. at University of St. Mary of the Lake Chapel, 1000 E. Maple Avenue, Mundelein, IL, followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at 11 a.m. celebrated by her son Father Thomas Richard Franzman. After Mass lunch will be served at the Seminary Dining Room. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois on Monday, March 2. In lieu of flowers please consider sending donations in Marge's memory to: St. Margaret Mary School, 7318 N. Oakley, Chicago, IL 60645 or University of St. Mary of the Lake, 1000 E. Maple, Mundelein, IL 60060. For information visit www.kristanfuneralhome.com or call 847-566-8020.
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Ms Franzman was my 1st grade teacher, at Stockton, a very long time ago (about 1949 or so). She was the kindest teacher any kid could have hoped to have.
Marvin R Blum
School
January 10, 2022
She was a beautiful person both inside and outside.
Corene Frick
Friend
February 19, 2019
Much of my childhood was spent going out with my Mother, Ruth Stelzer, as she and the "girls" enjoyed lunch! Clearly, Marge was a clear testimony of faith and devotion. Father Tom, I still remember your Ordination! You were all blessed to have her in your your lives so long!
Carol Calabrese
September 8, 2016
GOD Bless you on this your final journey, Fair Winds and Following Seas
Kevin & Anne Boehne
March 18, 2015
Mary Lou and Father Tom, your Mom and our Mom, Catherine Higgins, were the best of friends and school mates. I'm sure they are having a wonderful reunion in heaven. We rejoice with you as your Mom is welcomed home. Catherine's family
March 2, 2015
Tom & Family; My sincere condolences and prayers for your Mom. May she RIP in Gods hands now. Kugie
Bill Kugelman
March 1, 2015
Tom, my hope for your mother is peace. May God grant you and your family solace as you grieve.
Joan Lakebrink
February 27, 2015
Mary Lu and Tom...Please accept our deepest sympathy. Your mom was a beautiful, well attired woman and was so dedicated to St. Margaret Mary. It was so thoughtful to ask for donations for St. Margaret Mary School. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. With love, Ray and Moe Taylor
February 27, 2015
Tom
Your Mom brightened every encounter at Quigley functions with her grace, good humor and unfailing positive outlook. What a wonderful lady!
Steve McGreal
February 27, 2015
Father Tom, Sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She was a gracious and sweet lady, we knew for 25 years.
John and Kathy Price, Morse Ave.
February 27, 2015
I was a teacher at Stockton School during the time Marge was there. She was the very BEST! Everyone loved and admired her. My condolences to her family. You were so blessed to have her in your lives.
Corene Frick
Corene Frick
February 26, 2015
my condolences to the family
February 26, 2015
Dear Fr. Tom,please accept my deepest sympathy on the death of your Mom.God gave her a long life as he gave my brother Msgr Mroczkowski.Rest in Peace Mrs Franzman.
February 26, 2015
To family and friends of Marge Franzman,
I taught at Stockton School while Marge was there. I have fond memories of her being such a lovely person. So happy to here she graced this earth for over 100 years! Sincerely, Linda Gayle Pappas
February 26, 2015
Dear Fr. Tom and Family. Tom and I send our deepest sympathies. Your Mom has raised a beautiful family and lived a life she, you and all would be proud of. Certainly she is seated at the right hand of our Lord. Know that you all are in our prayers as she will be added to the list of those we always remember. May God continue to bless and keep you all in His cloak of safety.
With deepest sympathies,
Tom and Mercedes Chmura
Tom & Mercy Chmura
February 25, 2015
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