Frances Mae "Fran" Meyers, 103, of Freeport, entered peacefully into eternal life on May 18, 2026, fortified by the sacraments of the Church and reunited with her beloved husband, Edmund. A lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fran lived a life shaped by faith, service, and devotion quietly embodying the Gospel values she cherished.

Born on March 20, 1923, in Freeport, Fran was the eldest of six children of Charles and Florence (Dilly) Hodapp. She attended St. Joseph School and graduated from Aquin High School in 1941. Her Catholic education formed the foundation of a faith that would guide her for more than a century.

On July 2, 1949, Fran married Edmund James Meyers at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Their marriage was a true sacrament—rooted in fidelity, mutual respect, and a deep love that sustained them throughout their life together. Fran and Ed shared a spirit of adventure, traveling widely across the world and joyfully sharing their photographs and stories with local organizations. Though they had no children of their own, they embraced the roles of godparents and "special Aunt & Uncle" to many, nurturing relationships that became treasured family bonds.

Fran worked for many years in the banking industry, most notably at Freeport's First National Bank, where she was known for her professionalism, kindness, and steady presence. Yet it was her life of service outside the workplace that most clearly reflected her faith. She volunteered with the RSVP program and offered more than 60 years of dedicated ministry to St. Joseph Church—singing in the choir, participating in the Marian Society, and serving for decades as a sacristan. Preparing the altar, caring for sacred vessels, and assisting the clergy were not tasks to her but privileges, carried out with reverence and love.

Her commitment to service extended to the residents of what is now Citadel St. Joseph Village, where she volunteered for more than 30 years. It was there that her beloved Ed passed away in 2001, and it was there surrounded by the community she had served that Fran was called home to God.

One of the most meaningful moments of Fran's later life was fulfilling a solemn promise made to her parents: ensuring the return of her younger brother, Arthur "Artie" Hodapp, who had been captured and imprisoned early in the Korean War. In 2011, through a DNA match, Artie was identified and repatriated from a prisoner-of-war camp. Fran took profound comfort in bringing him home to his final resting place, offering long-awaited peace to her family after more than fifty years.

Fran is survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and her cherished church family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edmund; her parents, Charles and Florence; her brothers Arthur, Eugene, Charles, and Robert (d. 2013); and her sister, Mary (d. 2008).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday, May 30, at 1:00 p.m., with Rev Matthew McMorrow officiating. Friends may call at the church at 12 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed at immediately prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, where Fran will be laid to rest beside her dear Ed, awaiting the resurrection promised in Christ.

In lieu of flowers, Fran would have been honored by memorials made directly to St. Joseph Catholic Church, a parish she loved, served, and supported throughout her long and faith-filled life.

Fran will be remembered for her generous spirit, her unwavering devotion to her parish, and her lifelong commitment to serving God and neighbor. May she rest in the peace of Christ, whom she followed so faithfully.