Frances R Young

Frances R. Young (“Fran”)

Frances R. Young, lovingly known as “Fran,” passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, at the age of 98 in Peoria, Arizona.

Born in Plaquemine, Louisiana, to Salvatore (Sam) and Catherina (Katie) Gulotta, Fran spent many years in the Chicago area before relocating to Arizona to live with her son and daughter-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 30 years, Ken; her parents, Salvatore and Catherina Gulotta; her brothers, Nick (Francine), Sam (Josie), Lawrence (Irene), and Michelangelo; and her sisters, Marie (Frank) and Tena (Carl).

Fran is survived by her devoted son, Ken (Lynn) Young of Peoria, Arizona; numerous nieces, nephews, and their families; and her daughter-in-law’s family, who embraced her as one of their own and brought her immeasurable love and happiness throughout the years.

A faithful member of St. Thomas More Catholic Parish in Glendale, Arizona, Fran was devoted to her family and a friend to nearly everyone she met. She had a kind heart, a warm smile, and a remarkable ability to make others feel welcomed and loved.

Fran found great joy in cooking and hosting large family gatherings, especially during the holidays. Christmas was her favorite season, when her home was filled with the aroma of countless homemade cookies, including her treasured Italian fig cookies and pizzelles. One of her proudest memories was baking hundreds of cookies for her great-nephew’s wedding reception, carefully wrapping each one and shipping them from Arizona back to Chicago.

She was also an avid crafter, creating handmade keepsakes that her family and friends will treasure for years to come. Even her garage sales reflected her attention to detail, with every item neatly displayed as though in a boutique.

Fran had a special place in her heart for the family dogs throughout the years—Butch, Snowball, Pepper, and most recently, Wrigley—who were faithful companions and brought her endless comfort and joy.

She also loved trips to the casino, which remained one of her favorite pastimes. Fittingly, her final casino outing was just one week before her passing, with one of her “adopted grandsons,” Michael, proudly serving as her chauffeur and companion.

A vigil will be held at Heritage Funeral Chapel 6830 W Thunderbird Road, Peoria, AZ on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm with a rosary at 6:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at St. Thomas More Catholic Parrish at 10:30am. Burial will take place later, she will be placed next to her loving husband Ken at All Saints Cemetery, Norridge, Illinois.

Fran lived a long, full, and meaningful life centered on faith, family, friendship, and love. Her generosity, warmth, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will be remembered always. She leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.