Pauline Franks Obituary

Franks, Pauline

Pauline Franks lived with a strong faith and focused her life on her family. Her faith was expressed inward with constant prayer and quietly supporting others in need. May she continue to be an example to all of us. May her memory be eternal. Survived by daughter Anna Maria (Garen) Toloken, granddaughter Nia Toloken, brother Alexander Rassogianis, brother-in-law James Frankiewicz, sister-in-law Laura Frankiewicz, Lucio Bortolin, niece Eva (Brad) Winckler, nephew Matthew (Jill) Frankiewicz, niece Sarah Frankiewicz. Cherished relatives in Greece. Predeceased by husband Paul of 58 years, son Christopher Franks, brother John Rassogianis, brother-in-law William Frankiewicz, parents Constantine and Anna Rassogianis, and parents-in-law Myron and Mae Frankiewicz. She graduated from Morton East High School in 1959, and the University of Illinois in 1963. She worked 29 years as an elementary education teacher for kindergarten through fourth grades in Niles, Villa Park, and Glen Ellyn. Her favorite units to teach were "Save the Whales" and "Save the Rainforest." Pauline volunteered at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in HARC bookstore, Pillars & Rocks, and Vacation Bible School. Active participant in Philoptochos (Friends of the Poor). She spent cherished summers at the family cottage in Michigan starting as a young girl. Loved modern dance as a high school and college choreographer and director. Sang in the Aeolian Choir at Morton East. Avid reader of historical non-fiction, especially Harry Truman and Abraham Lincoln. Advocated for environmental causes, land preservation, and the humane treatment of animals. Enjoyed attending religious classes and traveling to monasteries with her husband Paul. Remained active in retirement as a docent and book club participant at The Glen Ellyn Historical Society, establishing the Marcellus Jones Gettysburg First Shot monument in 2018. Participated in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), tutored elementary students, volunteered at the Harry Chapin Food Bank and Southwest Florida Nature Conservancy. A private funeral was held on Friday, December 19, at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church followed by burial at Chapel Hill Gardens West in Oakbrook Terrace. Donations in Pauline's memory can be made to the following organizations: Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, Westchester, IL (holyapostleschurch.com); St. George Greek Orthodox Church, DeKalb, IL (stgeorge.il.goarch.org); International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), 110 West Road Suite 360, Baltimore, MD 21204; or National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), 40 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011. Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, 847-375-0095.

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