Frances J. (Florko) Stevenson

Frances Jean Stevenson, age 96, of Las Vegas, passed away August 23, 2018.

She was born December 17, 1921, the daughter of Stanley and Cassie (Nimchuk) Florko.

Frances was a warm, compassionate woman who always went out of her way to help others, no matter what.  She was a vibrant, proud, and dignified woman who had a passion for life.

She had a wonderful sense of humor which endeared her to everyone she came in contact with and is a great testament to her nature.

She was born in a small town east of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and emigrated with her family to the United States in 1922, at a time when Harding was President and Fanny Brice and Al Jolson were popular on the radio.  Stanley, Cassie, and little Frannie settled in Chicago, near what is now Ukrainian Village.  There Stanley opened a poultry store and Cassie worked at various jobs.

When her little sister Angie was born, the nurses in the hospital would not let Frances visit Angie because Fran was only 12.  So Fran went back home, put on her mother’s pearls, high heels, gloves, and a dress, and went back to the hospital and demanded to see her newborn sister, Angie.  The nurses doubled over with laughter at the sight and immediately took Fran back to see her new little sister.

When World War II came in the 40’s, Fran enlisted in the Navy.  She was stationed in Washington, DC and worked in the Pentagon typing up secret documents for the top brass.  She had one of the highest security clearances for her time.  She had a beautiful singing voice and sang with the Navy band.

When the war ended, she married, had two children, and moved to the Maryland suburbs.  Frances spent hours making beautiful outfits for her family and was a very accomplished seamstress.

Later when worked for NIH developing the Medical Information Systems that are used in hospitals.  In the 1980’s, she was part of the team that tested and developed the computer technology used in hospitals and medical facilities throughout the world today.

She eventually retired out West to live out the rest of her days in California and Nevada.  She was very active playing bridge, sailing, and doting on her granddaughter, Jessica.  She will be missed by all, bur her memory will live on in us all forever.

A Memorial Mass for Frances will be held Monday, June 17, 2019 at 10:00 am at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva with Father Jonathan Bakkelund celebrant.

Burial will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in Wheaton.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva.  For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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