Ramer, Frances M.
Fran passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of Oct. 30, 2022. She is survived by her husband, Quincy Stringham; her daughter, Kristina Ramer (Darin Cook); her twin sisters, Joan Ramer (Alan Gold) and Karen Sinnreich (Simon Sinnreich); her nieces Helene Sinnreich and Lauren Sinnreich and her nephew Michael Sinnreich (and of course, her beloved cats, Poppy and Scooter). She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin
and Stella Ramer. Born in Philadelphia, Pa., Fran lived in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and New York before moving to Chicago in 1981. Fran completed her undergraduate degree at University of Pittsburgh and an MBA at University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. She worked as a buyer for Lord & Taylor and Gimbel’s in New York City, founded Baby Love, a baby clothing manufacturer, worked in the regulatory field of the agricultural chemical industry and even co-authored a book, “Drop Coin Here,” about antique coin-operated machines. Her favorites were jukeboxes and Fran knew all the words of the 50’s and 60’s songs of her youth. The only thing she liked better than singing the songs was dancing to them. Fran owned two 19th century homes in Lincoln Park, which she lived in and operated as bed-and-breakfasts for 30 years. She loved to refurbish and remodel her homes. As she said, “Knocking down walls is so therapeutic.” Fran loved the arts, and Lyric Opera played a huge role in her life. She worked as a supernumerary (non-singing supporting role) at Lyric and Joffrey Ballet for 30 years. She was an avid reader, and she enjoyed museums, theater, music of all kinds and adventuresome dining. Although Fran met her future husband,
Quincy, on the first day of 7th grade in Scarsdale, NY, they didn’t connect until their 40th high school reunion. They were married in 2008. Fran lived life to
the fullest, and she was fearless in the very best of ways. When she made up her mind to so something, she did it! A long-time friend shared this apt quote about her passing: “The brightest of lights on Earth has become the brightest of stars.” A celebration of Fran’s life was held with friends shortly before Fran’s passing. In lieu of flowers, we suggest a donation in Fran’s memory to Polar Bears International (polarbearsinternational.org).