Frances (Fran) Halloran Robbe
In the Bible, “serve” has many definitions. It means to work, minister, or worship, often involving selfless action, obedience, and putting others’ needs first. It also focuses on reflecting on Christ’s example, whether serving God or serving people with love and practical help. However, the definition of showing compassion and living out faith through actions, not just words exemplifies everything that Frances Halloran Robbe’s purpose in life was. (Generally, the last two sentences are a little clunky when its formatted with multiple “definitions”)
In 1965, she married her husband, Roger Robbe and supported him through his career. They moved 13 times for Roger to pursue his career and Fran gave her unyielding support behind the scenes. Bringing his suits to the cleaners, keeping everything stable in the home life, assisting with moving and connecting with friends and so much more. They were both true soulmates to one another and knew it was their God given purpose to serve each other with all of their love.
Fran had 2 children. Renee and Michelle. Unfortunately, the younger child, Michelle, passed away during childbirth. Despite being heartbroken and hurt, Fran continued to selflessly stay at home to care for Renee and Roger. She made sure that life was easy for them, making meals, cleaning the house, and doing all the chores. She served as a caretaker in all facets, that being her true calling in life.
Fran has one grandson, Robert, that she adored. He has his grandmother’s dark hair, features and infectious laughter that all who knew Fran will always remember.
Fran has many friends around the country who loved her and she loved them. She said she did not make friends easily, but the number of friends she has says something different. She loved to be around others and do her best to be a host to all who would visit their many homes or to be a supportive friend, always there in a time of need.
Fran’s husband Roger passed away in August, 2025 and they were married for 59 years. Even through the emotional turmoil, she continued to be active in reaching out to friends and made plans for the next steps of her life, seeming to be optimistic for what the next chapter of her life could be.
Franics Robbe was 81 years old and is survived by her daughter and grandson, Renee and Robert Skoglund.
SERVICES: A VISITATION will be held on Tuesday, January 6 at St Simon the Apostle Catholic Church from 10:00 am until time of FUNERAL MASS at 11:00 am. Burial at Resurrection cemetery.
Fran Robbe was my closest and dearest friend for the past twenty years. Fran and Roger, connected instantly with Harry and me the day they moved in nextdoor. We enjoyed weekly fun times together, whether we were working in our yards or eating Fran’s famous delicious chocolate cake! Fran’s laugh was always an infectious joy to any gathering she hosted. If anyone needed help or emotional support Fran was always right there comforting them or helping them in some way. Fran was a good mother, the perfect wife and the best friend anyone could ever have. She was an angel to everyone here on earth and I know she is an angel, now in heaven, alongside her husband Roger, still doing God’s work in someway beautiful way. Fran, I will miss you everyday and remember you always.
Pete’s sincere condolence to Fran’s daughter Renee & grandson Robert. Fran & husband Roger were our dearest neighbors directly across a0 storm basin for the last 6 years. We met a the display home during Christmas open house & they wanted from the very start to become close neighbors even tho we lived on different streets. We either called or texted each other on a regular basis to make sure all was well. And we socialized by going out to dinner or just having coffee/coke with dessert. And they both enjoyed going to our church Fish Frys during Lent. Since we all 4 grew up in St.Louis , we enjoyed touring our old neighborhoods. And talking the good ole days. When my wife Marlene died in February 2024 & ppRoger died in August 2025 , we comforted each other during our grieving . And now i am all alone with fond memories of we four & praying that Marlene , Roger & Fran are resting in peace with the good Lord in Heaven & preparing a place for us all .
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I remember meeting your parents on the Florida marching band trip in 2014. They brought water for the band, they were both such nice people. You can see that reflected in their daughter and grandson. My condolence to both of you and all the family.
My three sisters and I are so sorry for your loss. We were Frances’s first cousins; our father and her mother were brother and sister. Frances and I were very close in age so she and I almost always spent a part of the summer together when we were growing up. I would go to St Louis and spend a week or so enjoying the company of Frances, Aunt Flora and Uncle Dan, or she’d come to Southern Illinois to visit at my house , or we’d both stay at our grandparents home in Christopher.
We had some fun times and I remember once when we sneaked into the kitchen at night for a treat (probably cake)j and then next day discovered the ants had joined us to devour the crumbs. Grandmother Mitchell was not too happy with us
that day. Sadly when we grew up we grew apart as adult life dictated other demands. My husband’s work also required many moves across the country. However, my sisters and I remember fondly the fun times we shared at the annual summer Mitchell reunions.j