Frances Pawlowski

Frances J. Pawlowski nee (Baranowski) 85, late of Gilbert, AZ formerly of Dolton, IL and Chicago, IL passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 29, 2022. She is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Edward C. “Bud” Pawlowski, Jr. Fran was the loving mother of Janice (Daniel) Zimmerman of Austin, Texas, Jeffrey (Christine) Pawlowski of Gilbert, Arizona and Christopher (Christie) Pawlowski of Gilbert, Arizona as well. She was the cherished Grandmother of Theodore “Ted” Zimmerman of Austin, Texas, Jacob “Jake" (Leah) Pawlowski of Anthem, Arizona, Jenna and Hannah Pawlowski both of Gilbert, Arizona. Fran is survived by her dear brother, Harry Baranowski of Lansing, Illinois and Esther Segal of Valparaiso, Indiana as well as many loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She has joined in the presence of Jesus with her beloved parents Vincent and Sophie Baranowski along with her sweet siblings Ben Baranowski, Charlotte Stankewicz, Lucielle Stazak and George Baranowski…. oh the party they must be having. Fran and her husband lived in Dolton, Illinois for nearly 40 years before moving to Gilbert, AZ in 2000 to be close to her 2 sons. Upon graduation from Aquinas Catholic High School in Chicago, Fran worked as a secretary for an advertising firm in Downtown Chicago. She married her High School sweetheart and then stayed home to raise her children before returning to work as a bookkeeper for almost 20 years for Lippert Restaurant Supply Company in South Holland, Illinois. Fran was known as “Frannie” to her family. She was the baby of 7. She served as President of the Thornridge High School Booster Club for many years. Upon her move to Arizona, she worked at the Gilbert Regional Library and volunteered at Mercy Gilbert Hospital for a time. She was active in the Southeast Valley Woman’s Club for many years as well. Throughout her adult life she battled multiple illnesses and conditions and accidents to the best of her ability. Her Grandchildren joked that nothing could take down Grandma because “she was a tank”! Fran enjoyed watching movies, reading, watching football and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed tending to her garden back in the day and spending time with neighbors and friends. Fran never shied away from a good celebration. Fran was so very proud of her children and Grandchildren. She always loved hearing about what they were doing and was excited to hear about their lives. Fran’s beautiful smile, quick wit and deep love for her family will always be remembered. Finally reunited with the love of her life in Heaven to dance the “eternal Polka and do an occasional shooter”! There will be a small service for immediate family members only at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona on what would have marked her 86th Birthday. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the American Diabetes Association.