Frances Norek Hatch Esq.

Obituary of Frances Norek Hatch, Esq.
January 24, 2025
Passing of Frances Norek Hatch, ESQ
At 12:29 AM on January 24, 2025, Born March 9, 1947. She is survived by her husband James Andrew Hatch, her stepdaughter Samantha Lane Hatch ( H-Kevin Johnson Hatch) her grandson Clifford James Hatch, her sister, Carol Norek, and her brother Michael Norek and several nieces and nephews and two deceased siblings.
Frances served 50 years as an attorney in Chicago in New York. For the first 12 years, she was an assistant states attorney in Cook county Illinois. She then became a partner at Clausen Miller, Chicago. After moving to New York she was of Counsel at Several New York law firms. She retired from White and McSpedon in 2024, where she served as a Senior Trial Counsel.
All her friends and family experienced an immense loss that words can scarcely capture. The world has lost a beautiful, talented, and vivacious woman, and I have lost my beloved wife. She passed away peacefully at New York University Hospital, surrounded by love and memories that will forever remain in my heart.
For nearly five years, she faced her battles with unwavering courage, enduring the trials of a series of debilitating diseases, including Dermatomyositis, COPD, and lung cancer. These diseases occurred as a result of her working at one liberty Plaza across the street from the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001. She was caught running from the dust cloud when the south tower collapsed and continue to work at one liberty Plaza for 3+ years at fireman's Fund as a lead Counsel. She was certified as a World Trade victim for lung, cancer, and COPD by the Williams clinic, the clinic that served world trade victims.
Despite her suffering, she continue to work and maintained her vibrant spirit, spreading joy and kindness to those around her. Her laughter, warmth, and compassion served as a light in the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. It is difficult to imagine a world without her presence, as she has touched so many hearts.
In these moments of sorrow, I find solace in the love we shared, and I will cherish those memories for eternity. As we come together to remember her, let us celebrate her life, the beautiful moments we created, and the love that will never fade. She will forever remain a part of our lives, and her legacy of strength and kindness will continue to inspire us.
May she finally rest in peace, free from pain and suffering. Thank you all for your love and support during this unimaginably difficult time.
Frances will be interned at town of Maine Cemetery in Park ridge Illinois on February 17, 2025 at 3 PM. (Invitation only). There will be a celebration of life gathering at a day to be determined in early summer 2025. Probably in two locations - one in Chicago and one in New York, given that family and friends are located in both cities.
With heartfelt gratitude to all that knew her and loved her,
Her proud and grateful husband:
Jim Hatch