Frances Linn

Frances Linn (nee Gelbwaks) passed away peacefully on January 1st, 2025 on her 95th birthday. Born in 1930 in the Bronx, she married Bernard Linn in 1949. Bernard and Frances had a deeply loving and fulfilling marriage for 58 years until his passing in 2009. The oldest of three sisters, Ruth (deceased) and Marilyn, Frances is survived by her daughters, Janet (Hugh) and Noreen (Nicholas), and granddaughters, Danielle (Adam), Cara (Brett), Lauren and Elena.

 Frances worked as a bookkeeper for 35 years and later in life went back to college with her daughter, a testament to her lifelong curiosity and love for learning. Frances loved life and people, befriending everyone she met.

 She was a champion of her daughters and granddaughters in their personal and professional endeavors. This was evident to anyone that spoke to her. Despite physical distance, Frances made sure to intimately know the details of her family’s lives and that of all of their friends. In times of need, Frances was always available to lend a comforting ear and good advice. She was also there to celebrate her family and friends’ accomplishments, both big and small. She was a lifeline to many friends who became disconnected due to age-related disabilities or limitations. She never forgot anyone and made sure everyone knew how loved they were.

 Beyond this, Frances was an active and dedicated member of her community. She spent decades serving as a board member for various institutions, including her Co-op Board, the Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged, and the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, where she was a steadfast attendee and volunteer Mahjong instructor for years, something she deeply loved and took great pride in.

 Frances was a fighter and lived her life on her own terms until the very end. She planned her birthday party and spent her last day on earth celebrating her 95 years of life at a Chinese restaurant among close family and friends, just as she wanted. She said goodbye to her loved ones and attended a final New Year’s party at her home with friends before passing away peacefully the next morning.

 Frances can best be described as a mensch and yenta (in the best way) with an incredible sense of humor. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed. Her memory is a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

 Donations in memory of Frances can be made to the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center using the following link https://www.mmcc.org/senior-centers/