Frances Quinn

Frances Quinn, a loving and one-of-a-kind matriarch, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2023. She was born on March 21, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan to her late parents, Vincent and Frances (nee' Lombardo) Cassisa.

Fran shared 58 years of marriage with her late husband Jack, modeling a strong and close relationship for their children John (Shannon) Quinn, Cheryl (Steve) Cowherd, Michael (Kisha) Quinn, and Brian (Sandra) Quinn. In their younger years, Fran was always excited to greet Jack at the end of his work day in lipstick and her hair done. Their home was warm, affectionate, and sometimes chaotic—as the kids sometimes found themselves in the “dog house.” They prioritized quality family time and open communication, often exemplified by “Quinn powwows.”

Fran was a talented cook—doing things the true Italian way with homemade pasta—but was most recognized as a baker, famous for her pies, cinnamon rolls, and Christmas cookies. She shared her passion for food with extended family, as food is love.

Fran loved spending time with her siblings, Joanne Gray, John (Rose) Cassisa, and Linda (Bill) Tafelski, and many nieces and nephews. They shared a special bond woven through years of laughter, lake days, and large holiday gatherings. The memories they created will be cherished forever.

Fran found immense joy from being a part of the lives of each grandchild: Adam Cowherd, Madison (Billy) Stacy, Amanda (Cody) Silver, Olivia (Ryan) Wagenschutz, Elizabeth Quinn, the late Sadie Quinn, Andrew Quinn, Sandie Quinn, and John-Michael Quinn. Her favorite things to do were whatever her grandchildren desired—whether that was a walk to the neighborhood park, visit to the Detroit Zoo, trip to the Dollar Store or Family Video, trick-or-treating at Greenfield Village, or back-to-school shopping spree. She was an extremely caring and present grandparent, attending countless sporting events and school activities, and hosting many sleepovers and summer vacations up north.

Fran had many interests, including reading, walking, games (especially 5ive Straight), and gambling, which could be friendly bets at a card night or an escapade at a casino. She was a night owl, coffee lover, sweet sneaker, and lover of labels. She always wanted to be around people and opened her home to family and friends alike.

Fran would often say that everyone’s unique, and that is most definitely an accurate description for her. She did things on her own terms and was strong-willed, honest, dedicated, fun-loving, and independent. You may know Frances better by one of her many monikers: Fran, Mom, Mimi, Mother Nature, or Legs Diamond (from her husband). She was ready to transition to the next chapter, and we know she faced it smiling.

Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home at 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, Michigan on Friday, October 27, from 12PM to 2:30PM.  In honor of Fran's memory, the family requests that donations be made to Angela Hospice in lieu of flowers. Fran will be laid to rest with her late husband at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.