Frances M. “Fran” Belcastro (nee Briatico), age 91, of Downers Grove IL, passed away in her home on July 29, 2021. Fran was born on November 13, 1929 in Chicago, IL. She spent the majority of her adult life living in Forest View, IL before settling in Downers Grove 25 years ago. She is preceded in death by her three brothers, three sisters, three sister-in-laws and one brother-in-law. Fran is survived by her children Isabelle (Nicholas) Hartzel, Victor (Jamie), Fred (Margaret), Anthony (Susan), and Mary (Timothy) Pawlicki. She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren. Fran was loved by anyone who knew her. She was actively involved in her children (grandchildren and great grandchildren’s) lives until her final day. She never missed a Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation or Graduation. Family was a driving force in Fran’s life. She had a truly individualized, unique, and special bond with each of them. Fran’s Catholic faith and love of her family defined who she was. She attended Mass daily, participated in Rosary group and volunteered at her parish. Food and love were interchangeable in her life. She loved to cook and bake in order to express her love. She consistently organized cousin’s lunches and picnics and organized ongoing lunches with her many friends. Fran loved the memorable trips she made driving to visit her children and grandchildren. She also treasured the trips made with her friends. If you were fortunate enough to be her friend, you were also considered family. Recently she requested a calculation of how many days she had been living to which she then responded, “That’s how many memories I have.”. Fran requested the song, “Grand Knowing You” to be shared following her Funeral Mass: “Its been grand knowing you, grand being your friend. You’ve been kind, loyal and so generous right down to the end…It’s been fun, and now I must run, but it’s been grand, perfectly grand…”
There are no words to describe how deeply she will be missed. Funeral Tuesday August 3, 2021 at 9:15 A.M. from Adolf Funeral Home 7000 Madison, Willowbrook to St. Mary of Gostyn Church, Downers Grove for a 10 A.M. Funeral Mass. Entombment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Visitation 3-9 P.M. Info 630-325-2300