Frances Davis

Born June 8, 1942, died August 16, 2025. A native of the Detroit area and proud Michigander, Fran first entered the Twin Cities' community in 1984 when she relocated as part of a team merging Dayton's and Hudson's corporations. In talking with friends while contemplating a professional change, she mentioned to her Realtor John Holtzermann that if she had no financial restraints, her ideal job would be 'to own a contemporary crafts gallery or renovate houses' – and John without missing a beat said, "you should consider Real Estate." Armed with her degree in interior design and a corporate career in advertising bolstering her natural talents, Fran became licensed in Real Estate in 1986 and joined Burnet Realty as a salesperson, and soon thereafter, as a manager where she helped lead the Minneapolis Lakes Office for nearly 40 years. Fran's accomplishments as a marketer of distinctive homes and promoting the Minneapolis City Lakes neighborhoods were deep; she renovated properties, developed condos, and was one of the first marketers, with The Place for Lofts, to sell the burgeoning warehouse district condos in the downtown neighborhood that became the North Loop. Fran's role as a Realtor served hundreds of clients personally, but also launched and supported the careers of hundreds of salespeople in her role as Sales Manager at Coldwell Banker Realty.

Aside from her career, Fran was known for being a networker, and a collector of those who she considered friends, and friends who became family. One of the earliest couples she met in the Twin Cities who became fast friends was Rusty and Burt Cohen, the founding publisher of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine who invited her to join in and support the arts community – a turn which yielded many great personal and professional opportunities. Once hailed in Cohen's magazine column, with her sister Barb, as the pair 'mostly likely to be found at a dinner party', Fran reveled in meeting, connecting and cultivating relationships. Her community encompassed people she met in all sectors of life – arts and culture, her Lowry Hill neighborhood, politics and civics, and her professional/Realtor connections. She sustained relationships over states and decades, with many devoted and repeat clients who became friends. Fran's annual New Year's Day brunch was a hallmark: as a foodie, the spread on the dining table was legendary and you never knew what new friend you might meet, or what aspiring politician you might rub shoulders with as they were readying a run for office. She loved the culinary scene in Minneapolis and beyond, always eager to try the newest restaurant in addition to her repeat favorites.

Fran's interests encompassed all that is great about her adopted city, Minneapolis. She was a huge political supporter– with a prime corner lot at her Lowry Hill home that was a ready and able spot for campaign signs. She was a patron and fan of many arts and culture organizations, as an audience member but also as a volunteer, serving on many boards. She was a steadfast advocate in organizations that honor human rights, affordable housing and pro-choice matters, always looking to champion those causes important to her. She knew the importance of debate and staying at the table to work through tough issues to a better outcome. Professionally, she volunteered on many local, state, and national Realtor-associated boards and fundraising efforts, with tireless service and an unwavering belief in the power of the real estate industry to strengthen both communities and democracy. She served on the boards of the Guthrie Theater, Children's Theatre, MinnPost, womenwinning, the IVEY Awards, Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, and the Lowry Hill Neighborhood Association, to name a few. Her leadership and generosity earned recognition as one of Finance and Commerce's "Top Ten Women in Finance," and Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's "Volunteer of the Year." Her enthusiasm and dedication to service was integral to her being. In almost every conversation with Fran, whether personal or professional, she posed this question: "How can I help?"

Fran was preceded in death by her parents (Louis and Rose), and her sister Nina. She is survived by her sister Barb Davis, brother Richard (Helene) Davis, nephews and nieces Philip (Denise), Emily (Bryan), and Peter, grandnephews and grandniece Max, Luke, Benjamin & Eliana Rose, and many cousins and relatives from both sides of her parents' families, with whom she shared not just relations, but friendships. She will be missed by many special friends, colleagues and neighbors who valued her wisdom, thoughtfulness, leadership and impact on our community.

Services will be held on Wednesday, September 10th at Temple Israel (2323 Fremont Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405), beginning with a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. and available on Zoom at www.hodroffs.com/FrancesDavis , followed by a reception. Shiva will be observed later that evening at 6:30 p.m. To commemorate Fran, contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood, MinnPost, or donate to, or buy a ticket to a performance at your favorite arts organization.