Francine Z Abrams

“I’m so fortunate to have lived this life… If I could do it over again, I wouldn’t do anything differently. I never wanted to be someplace else instead of where I was.”  Francine Zelda Abrams (nee’ Horn) was born in 1933 to Sol and Sharna Horn, both of whom had emigrated from Poland in the aftermath of WWI and settled in Chicago, IL.  They lived together with Fran’s older brother, Bruce and younger brother, Gerson.  Francine graduated from Marshall High School in 1950.  Soon thereafter she met the love of her life, Maury Abrams. They married in 1952 and moved to Los Angeles to start anew. Living in the Fairfax district, during the early days of the 3rd Street Farmer’s Market, Francine embraced motherhood and supported Maury in building their family business and legacy. After raising three children, Gregg, Glennis and Judd, Francine returned to college-- earning a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology from CSUN in 1977 and a law degree from San Fernando Valley College of Law in 1982.  She went on to practice family law for 10 years before retiring to be a full-time grandmother. In 1992, Francine was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia and received a life-saving bone marrow transplant, from her brother Bruce, at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA. Fran & Maury were together for over 56 years. In that time, they enjoyed traveling, playing golf with friends, and spending quality time with their family. Family, for Fran, was always priority one and she actively participated in the life-events of her children and grandchildren.  Francine’s close circle of friends became her support group after Maury passed away in 2008.  Together, they shared their love of opera, theater and fine dining. Francine was an avid reader, a life-long physical fitness devotee and generous philanthropist.  Her home was filled with love. She inspired many with her style, grace and generous heart. Fran was diagnosed with melanoma in 2019 which became terminal.  She passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones on June 9, 2022. Francine is survived by her daughter Glennis and Glennis’ husband, Jim, her son Judd and his wife Shelli, and her grandchildren: Roxanne and her husband, David, Alexander, Spencer, Ava, Leonardo, Ethan and Elijah. Her light shined bright and she will be greatly missed.