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Frances Jean ‘Fran’ Strauss, 93, worked as an extra in many film projects

WILMINGTON — Frances Jean ‘Fran’ Strauss, 93, a longtime resident of the Wilmington area, died Thursday, July 16, 2020, at Bradley Creek Health Center.

Born in Pennsylvania, Fran and her family, including four sisters, moved to New York City, where she met and married her husband, Arthur, who passed away in 2004. They lived in New York City and New Jersey, where they raised their family. Upon retirement, Fran and Arthur moved to Wilmington, where they built their dream home and lived happily for many years.

Fran was active in many organizations in her adopted home state. She volunteered at Bellamy Mansion, was very involved with the Democratic Party in the Wilmington area, volunteered at the Thalian Association Community Theatre and was a proud member at B’nai Israel Congregation, Wilmington. Fran also took great joy in working as an extra in the many film projects that called Wilmington home.

Fran loved cooking and socializing, enjoyed going to movies and plays with friends and was a friend to many in the Wilmington community, including her neighbors and her many acquaintances, who always described her as “feisty and fun.” She became close with members of her support group, The Compassionate Friends, which she joined after the death of her son, with members of B’nai Israel Congregation and residents and staff of the Carolina Bay community.

Fran was preceded in death by her beloved son, Peter.

She is survived by her daughter, Janet, and her husband; grandchildren, Jesse and Amanda, and her husband, Ross. She was particularly delighted with her great-grandchildren Tobin, Arik, Noa and Peri. Her extended family brought her great joy, and she was a very proud mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and great-aunt.

A graveside funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 19, at Oakdale Cemetery, Wilmington.

Memorial gifts may be made to the American Heart Association, The Compassionate Friends or B’nai Israel Congregation.

Share online condolences with the family at Coble Funeral & Cremation Service at Greenlawn Park.

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