Bernadette Franck

Bernadette Franck, age 84, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, May 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her. Bernadette loved beyond measure, with a heart that overflowed with compassion and kindness.

As a devoted wife of sixty years, a loving daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother, Bernadette embodied simplicity, humility, joy, and peace—yet she also possessed a powerful spirit. Her deep faith guided her every action, and she dedicated her life to serving others. In Ivoire, Haiti, she ran a center for young women, teaching essential skills such as business management, cooking, sewing, and childcare. Alongside this work, she actively supported her husband’s efforts to develop their small village, contributing to the construction of a school, road, potable water supply, and dispensary, all while managing the local Catholic parish.

At the age of twenty-five, Bernadette embraced motherhood by adopting her two-year-old godson. She raised him alongside her seven children, instilling in them the values of love, service, and faith. Her godson would go on to become a Cardinal, and all her children have found success in their own lives—a reflection of her nurturing and unwavering spirit.

After moving to the United States twenty-nine years ago, Bernadette and her husband purchased their first home, where she lovingly helped raise many of her grandchildren. Her home became a haven of warmth and love, affectionately known as Chez Dedette, where family and friends gathered for joy and respite.

A devout Catholic, Bernadette’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. Morning and nightly prayers were her rituals. She found joy in cooking, hosting loved ones, praying, and singing hymns. No one ever left her home hungry or sad—there was always room for one more guest in need of comfort, a testament to her generosity and love.

Throughout her battle with Alzheimer’s, Bernadette faced every challenge with grace and resilience, radiating love, serenity, and joy until her final moments. She was truly an angel on Earth—a beautiful soul whose legacy of love will forever live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

Bernadette was preceded in death by her parents, Vital Langlois and Anne Bourguillon. She is survived by her beloved husband, Gaston Franck; her adopted son and godson, Cardinal Chibly Langlois; her daughters, Marie Françoise Jean-Marie (Wilner), Marie Bernard Desir (Jean-Robert), Marie-Carmel Franck, and Agathe Franck (Waseem Shami); her sons, Jean-Bosco Franck, Jean-Baptiste Franck (Paola), and Dominique Franck (Rachel); her sisters, Odette Langlois and Annette Langlois; her fifteen grandchildren: Abigaelle Desir, Jean-Bernard Desir, Marline Jean-Marie, Eloise Jean-Marie, Christopher Franck, Kimberly Franck, Neikah Franck, Machla Franck, Christie Franck, Jeanessa Franck, Mateo Franck, Sophie Franck, Sebastian Franck, Noah Shami, and Emma Shami; as well as many extended family members and friends who will cherish and honor her memory.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Homes-West. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 9:15 AM at St. Luke Catholic Church, located at 930 E Redd Rd. Following the Mass, a Graveside Service will take place at 11:00 AM at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, located at 8700 Dyer St.

Contributions may be made in honor of Bernadette to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: https://alzfdn.org/donate/

Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-West, 480 N. Resler.