Dear Frances,
I think of you all the time and the great times we had together. I will miss our long brunches, our knit sessions, our outings to see movies, musicals, Hillary, and David Byrne, our chats over every little thing, and getting together for our birthdays. You were there for me in some really difficult moments and also the happy ones. I love you and will miss you always.
Love, Sansanee
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Frances told me once that she kept a wallet card with Psalm 23 printed on it with her because it gave her comfort when her heart was troubled.
As our Frances completes her homeward journey, will you keep this prayer close to you?
The Divine Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
Frances, may your memory always be a blessing. You are forever loved and missed.
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My friend Frances was so many lovely things, among them a traveler, a knitter, a lawyer, a wit, a great pal, a photographer, a kind heart, and a writer. (Plus far too many other things to list here.)
She was the beloved daughter, a miracle only child, of Harry and Maty Katz, both of whom she adored and missed every day. I loved her stories, especially when they involved her family. How I wish I’d known her folks. Frances made me an honorary “Katz Kid” - Marcileh to her Franceleh - and I’ve never been so touched.
Here’s a piece she wrote for The Atlantic. It’s one of my favorites.
https://www.theatlantic.com/t…
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From the first day I met Frances, she was one of the smartest, wittiest and kindest people I knew. She was always a joy to be around I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. Dorothy Parker and all the great literary wits of the will have be saving her a seat at the Heavenly version of the Algonquin Round Table. Bless you, Frances - you will be missed by all of us who knew you here.
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Frances, I am going to miss you so much. We got to know each other through our large-ish but carefully curated online group of journalists, editors, writers, artists, attorneys, teachers, scientists, and odd ducks, all of whom are bright lights. And you were amongst the brightest. I looked for your posts and comments and likes, and each time, when I saw your name, my heart smiled. I remember sharing early on that one of my beloved adopted Baltimore street cats had been "Mr. Katz," which of course you loved, and we bonded from there over our mutual time at BU, NYC, journalism, writing, fashion, food, politics, and so much silly good fun. One of my fondest memories is of me telling an anecdote the Ulta at the Jefferson Valley Mall in "upstate" northern Westchester County, and the groovy little scene that a middle-aged lady and trans person had created there and being tickled by the fact that you said you wanted to come hang out with there with me. You totally got it! It *was* a place we could have had great fun. But that was thing: Anywhere was a place someone could have had great fun with a friend so kind, witty, brilliant, and talented as you. I had so looked forward to meeting up in person, now that I am geographically closer, once the pandemic subsides. I am sorry we could not make that happen here on this plane, dear friend. I'll keep you in my heart, always, until we are reunited on the other side. Until then, watch out for us, Frances, and keep that handsome guy Mr. Katz in line.
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I didn't know Frances well, but our desks were near each other for a spell at the AJC. What I remember about her is the way she'd comment on pieces I had written. She would never quote the obvious line but rather say something that indicated she had given it a thorough read, thought about it, and had a takeaway. She was incredibly generous and positive with colleagues. I wish I had known her better.
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I think my friendship with Frances was sealed forever when she came to my house - a rare occurrence for the master-level introvert. Private and not particularly fond of touchy feelies, I think she was forever at a loss, when I burst open the door, and then shouted, "I'm PREGNANT" - I had just read the p stick - and Frances was the very first person to learn this (even before the hubby). She could not stop me practically leaping into her arms, and we celebrated the coming life of my middle child, David, for the rest of the afternoon. It was a very, very good day. She was an auntie to my three children (Frances and I are both only children), but especially to my eldest child - now 27 - who on hearing her passing, said, "She is the embodiment of 'chosen family'."
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Frances was warm, smart, and devastatingly funny. I met her years ago at the Boston Herald, and reconnected on FB. I will miss her sharp, witty commentary on culture, politics, and lipstick. Rest In Peace, friend.
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My heart breaks hearing this. Frances was a ray of bright light always uplifting a heavy heart, making you laugh, illuminating a topic with great wit or brightening the day with a pleasant pick-me-up. What a loss of an earnest and sweet soul. We honor Frances and her endearing spirit.
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I am shocked and sadden by the news of Frances’ passing. We were good friends and Warren Towers pals back at Boston University. I hadn’t seen Frances since graduation so many years ago but reconnected on Facebook. I enjoyed her posts and insights so much! She will be missed so terribly. #WayTooSoon. Godspeed, Frances Katz.
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Frances was a wonderful, incredibly bright, funny, supportive friend. She left us way too soon.
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Frances sat next to me in the AJC Business section. She was funny and always played great music. She was very artistic and she changed careers with gusto moving from journalism to a legal career. I’m so sad to hear of her death. May she rest in peace.
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So…Frances and I went to Boston about a week before 9/11.
We stayed in a rental spot right in the middle of town. We ate well and shopped too much. We visited art museums and saw beautiful things.
But…what I remember most was the coffee.
We hurried to check into our spot and on the way, stopped at a Dunkin’ Donuts for a few bags of coffee.
Seeing a bag with green on it, we assumed it was “Irish” and thought nothing of it.
For two days we weren’t very happy and needed naps in the afternoons.
On that third morning, I was making coffee and looked at the coffee bag, thinking: This flavor doesn’t have much taste.
I let out a scream, which brought Frances running. We had, of course, purchased decaf coffee and had been drinking brown water. We could not stop laughing!
Every time we saw funny memes about coffee we’d post them and tag one another.
I think it is just these small moments that become links to those we love and I will always think of Frances when I drink coffee now!
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