Frances Joanne Moritz was born September 3, 1934 into a Lithuanian family in Detroit, the daughter of John and Frances Girnas (Zirnis) Kairunas. Fran passed away quietly July 25, 2024 in the home she had shared with her husband since 1988.

Frances (“with an E”) attended St. Anthony’s and St. Casimir Catholic schools. Prior to her marriage Frances worked for Mobil Oil in Detroit. After her marriage she was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Detroit.

She married Walter E. Moritz, Jr. on April 28, 1956. They were married for 61 years, until Walter’s passing in 2017. Their mutual interest in horse racing led them to various race tracks, including a stop at the Kentucky Derby on their honeymoon. 

Frances and Walter were both avid gardeners who struggled to outwit the deer and other animals who liked the vegetables they grew. Fran’s hobbies included reading the Oakland Press and the Detroit Free Press, enjoying a glass of wine and watching the animals outside. Her favorite TV shows were General Hospital and movies on the Hallmark Channel. She decorated her home for every holiday.

Fran’s decorating included helping Walter with the Department 56 Dickens Village that grew from the Candle Shop (the first piece, purchased in 1984) to include 60+ buildings with trees, people, roads, streetlights and a running train.

Fran was predeceased by her husband Walter, her brother Joseph and her parents.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024 from 1:00 pm until time of service at 2:00 pm at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home 33603 Grand River Ave., Farmington, MI  48335. 

Memorials for Fran can be made to PBS, Concordia Seminary, the Salvation Army or St. Jude’s.

If you would like to send flowers in Fran's memory please  Click Here for Schroeter's Flowers.