Memorial

Frances Marie “Fran” O'Brien, 99, of Cedar Rapids died peacefully October 15, 2026, with her loving family by her side. The visitation will be Friday, October 23, from 4 to 6 pm in the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel Stateroom. A vigil will begin at 4 P.M.   Funeral services will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:00am at St Matthew Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids with Father Tom Heathershaw officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Survivors include three daughters, Carol Crawford, Dallas, Texas; Patricia Kelly and her husband Terry, Marion; and Ruthann O’Brien Hadish and husband Gregg, Ames; five grandchildren, Jesse (Jenny) Kelly, David Kelly, and Rebecca Kelly and John (Se Eun) Hadish, and Paul Hadish; one great grandchild, Joseph Kelly. Also surviving one brother Vincent Frana.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gene in August 2010, infant daughter France Marie in 1955, and daughter Sally in 2006. Also, five brothers Stephen, Walter, Raymond, Robert, Richard Frana and three sisters Mildred Poshusta, Marcella Lee, Rita Jirak.

Fran was born February 26, 1927, near Decorah, to Stephen and Frances (Havel) Frana. She attended Decorah High School, Notre Dame Academy, Omaha, NE, and Mount Mercy Jr. College where she was a charter member of Phi Theta Kappa, an honorary scholastic fraternity. On August 28,1950 she married Eugene "Gene" O’Brien at Spillville, Iowa. After raising their four daughters, Fran worked at Medical Arts Surgical Supply for 17 years, retiring in 1990.

She was a member of St Matthew Catholic Church since 1952 where she was active as a communion minister, a cantor for over 150 funerals, sang with the Resurrection Choir, and served with St. Bernadette Circle. She was a member and past regent of Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Cedar Rapids 1768 and a longtime member of the Rockwell Recreation Center. Fran was a charter member of “The Serenaders” a singing group who entertained in nursing homes for over 12 years; her yodeling was a unique talent in the group.

Fran grew up in a large family who often played cards or went to local dances for their entertainment. She and her sister, Marcy, memorized all the “Hit Parade" songs and often harmonized on those songs at home or at dances with the local “Jack Still" band. In later years she played in various Bridge groups and was especially fond of Duplicate Bridge. She and her husband of 60 years were involved in Marriage Encounter for over 25 years.

Fran loved her daughters, grandchildren, and sons-in-law and was proud of their various and many accomplishments. She felt caring for her houseplants and outdoor flowers was very good therapy. She loved to donate her flowers for use on the church altar. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Matthew Church, Camp Courageous or a charity of your choice.