Barbara "Babs" A. Franz

Barbara Ann (Babs) Franz was born on July 15, 1937, in McKees Rocks, PA to John F. and Mary Ellen (Flaherty) Brannan. Babs attended St. Francis de Sales Catholic School from first through twelfth grade.

Babs was passionate about ice skating in her younger years, even trying out for the Ice Capades. Later on, she would teach her kids some of her skills on a backyard rink and never missed a televised competition.

After high school graduation, Babs worked as a secretary for an insurance company. She married in 1957 and welcomed her first baby, Kathleen in 1958. Five more would follow over the next ten years. Babs was a remarkable mom, devoting all of her time and energy to her children, supporting them in every way. She was a firm disciplinarian when needed, but laughter, silliness and song were present most days. 

Sharing their love of the arts, Babs and her father attended musical theater and the symphony often since she was in grade school. Keeping this love and tradition alive, she maintained and shared his third-row seats to this very day. Babs had a lovely voice, and her kids have fond memories of her belting out show tunes as she went about her housework. The plays also gave Babs an opportunity to showcase her incredible sense of style. She was always meticulously put together and flawlessly accessorized.

For many years, Babs worked at JC Penney’s in the dresses and coats department. She took great pride in helping women find the perfect outfit for their special occasion.

Her Irish heritage was a sense of pride and importance. She had the opportunity to travel there, and it was one of the most cherished experiences of her life. She often reminisced about the things she did, the sights she saw and the people she met. 

After retiring, she was able to devote her time to her 13 grandchildren, traveling often to visit or babysit. Babs had a way of making each grandchild feel uniquely special to her. In return, they loved and adored her, her sense of fun and her kind and loving nature.

Being great-grandma or “Gigi” to her nine great grandchildren brought her tremendous joy. She was exceptionally proud of the kind of parents her grandchildren had become and was certain that their children would have bright futures.

Babs was an avid reader, always interested in learning new things. Her strong sense of civic duty sent her to the ballot box to vote in every election. Issues that were especially important to her, warranted calls and letters to elected officials, most recently volunteering for a congressman whom she felt especially represented her values. She was fierce when it came to protecting the future of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Her close friendships brought her so much warmth and happiness. From hour-long phone conversations with faraway friends to special lunches with “the Desales girls” and other dear friends. Babs felt blessed that even in her later years, new and cherished friends would come into her life. 

Preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Ellen, her brothers Jack and Jim, and her son, Donald Joseph.

Babs leaves behind her children Kathleen (Keith) Easter, Patricia (Tom) Bartley, John Franz, Barbara (Martin) Back and Jennifer (David Riley) Franz.

Her grandchildren Mariko (Luis Morales) Franz, Jessica (Craig) Barbour, Hanako (Will Kim) Franz, Erin (Tanner Dahlin) Bartley, Ryan (Liz) Bartley, Sean (Jaryn) Franz, Tyler Bartley, Connor (Alexandra Melendi) Back, Ethan Franz, Garrett (Amanda) Back, Luke (Maddie) Easter, Cameron Easter and Michaela Easter.

Her great-grandchildren Amaya, Emi, Ronan, Samson, Brannan, Noah, Yoonah, Callum and William Thomas.

She will be remembered, loved and deeply missed by everyone that was lucky enough to be in her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Babs memory may be made to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 600 Waterfront Drive, Suite 223, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or https://give.cff.org/western-pennsylvania.