Fran Darley, beloved matriarch and the last of her generation, passed away gracefully, surrounded by family. Born to Mabel (Ma)and Ed (Pa), Fran was raised one of five Butler children on the South Side of Chicago. Fran embraced life with boundless faith, love, and kindness to all.

Fran was the devoted wife of the late William Darley. She was the loving mother of Laura Trankina, the late Gregory Trankina, Diane (John) Golden, Frank (Nina Rizzo) Trankina, and Beatrice (James) Farmer. She was stepmother to Stephen (Dar) Darley, Peter (Karen) Darley, the late Krina (Michael) Mattio, Tom (Pamela) Darley, James (Christina) Darley, Paul (Heidi) Darley, and Annie Darley (Randy Freedman). She was the proud grandmother of 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, and a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Fran was an adventurous spirit who traveled the world with her husband Bill. She never met a stranger, always finding connections and remembering everyone's name. She loved the opera and both roller and ice skating. Most of all, she was happiest spending time with her family, especially leading her grandchildren on " adventures" through the city of Chicago.

Fran spent most of her adult years in River Forest, Illinois, with her husband Bill, where they created a warm and loving home filled with kindness, hospitality, and a giant stuffed giraffe. She was a devout parishioner of St. Luke Church, with unwavering faith and dedication to serving others. She lived by the slogans "less is more" and "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil."

Fran's legacy of love, faith, and family will forever be treasured by all who knew her.

Memorial Visitation will be held Friday, February 27, 2026 at St. Luke Catholic Church, 7600 Lake St., River Forest from 10:00 a.m. until time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. (the Mass will be livestreamed - please click on Watch Video below). Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, donations to Catholic Charities (www.catholiccharities.net) would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.