It is with sadness to announce Frances Ann Mains, a resident of Wyndemere in Wheaton, passed away on May 5, 2023 at the age of 89.  She was born November 2, 1933 in St. Louis, Missouri to Edgar & Gladys Franks.

She is survived by her two daughters, Sherry (Scott) Torppey and Sheila (Troy) Brown; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Leutwiller. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Douglas B. Mains, M.D. and her brother, Richard Franks.

Fran attended Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois where she met Douglas B. Mains, and they married in 1956.  While Doug was in medical school, Fran taught middle school in LaGrange, Illinois where her love for teaching emerged. A life-long learner, Fran loved history, nature and reading. She had a wonderful sense of style and design. She and Doug loved gardens and spent many-a-day in their own gardens. Their West Chicago home was selected by the Garden Conservancy to be open to visitors during the Conservancy's national garden walk in the early 2000's. Fran adored Doug and supported him in all of his endeavors.  She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt. She loved reading stories and poems to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Fran had lifelong friendships which included friendships with Dr. Mains' colleagues, nurses and staff.  She worked at his orthopedic clinic after raising Sherry and Sheila and had many special memories from that experience. Fran was understated, and never sought the limelight. Her strongest convictions were those pertaining to her unwavering belief in God. She was known to be a master grammarian until the end.  Even with dementia, she regularly corrected others' grammatical errors, much to the enjoyment of family and caregivers alike!

The family would like to extend their deepest praise and gratitude for the dedicated staff at Wynscape Nursing Home.  They were top-notch, even during Covid.  We also extend praise to Northwestern Hospital and to Dr. Douglas Ambler who managed Fran's and Doug's medical care with excellence and grace.  She will be deeply missed and we cherish the years we had with her and the impact she had on us.

Interment and services will be private.

Family and friends may sign a guest book HERE . For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.