LifeQs

Francine Justa

Answer one question or many - using words, photos or other media.

What six words best describe Fran?

Susan Safire
Smart, wonderful, caring, friend, perfect, loving
Susan Draper
caring
persistent
enjoying life
dedicated
loving
warm
Betsy Hansel
funny, honest, strong, caring, organized, a leader
Load More Contributions

How would Fran want to be remembered?

HenryJaki Florsheim
She had a big heart and a big sense of humor.
Irwin Natov
Fran was a crusader for social and economic justice who left a major impact on the lives of many through her enormously dedicated, creative, and productive work as the first president of the Fifth Ave. Committee and then as Executive Director of Neighborhood Housing Services for many years.Throughout the city there are working people who now enjoy the security of becoming first time home owners because of the education and support provided by NHS as it grew and expanded services every year under the unusual dynamic leadership of Fran. Irwin Natov
Susan Draper
As one who cared and cared for every one

Who were Fran's mentors?

Susan Safire
She was the Mentor... to so many people.
Susan Draper
the people She listened to every story and did what ever she could to help them.

What were the best things about Fran?

Susan Safire
Her ability to work with people no matter who they are. She was able to handle any problem with a calmness that most people would find so very difficult. Fran was always a caring individual who put other people before her own. I remember one day we were walking in mid-town when she saw a homeless man on the street with a sign "please help me" and she bent down and gave him $10. I said, "Fran why so much?" and she answered, "Why not?". That was Fran, my friend, my mentor, my boss. RIP wonderful Fran Justa.
Betsy Hansel
She had such a strong sense of humor in the way she viewed herself. I remember her telling me a story of taking a very young Sarah out for a meal. Fran asked Sarah what she wanted, and Sarah's initial selections from the menu were not the healthy choices that Fran insisted on. She said, "So I told her, 'Hey, you're not eating out with your father, you're eating out with me!'" Without further prompting, Sarah immediately changed her choices to something Fran would approve of. Fran often told stories that poked fun at herself, which was something I loved. I am deeply grateful for all I learned from Fran about life in Brooklyn, social justice, leadership, summer bungalows, and parenthood. It also meant so much to me to know that Clare was in a truly safe and loving place on the days when Fran took care of her after school while Jay and I were working and struggling to pay the ever increasing rent in Park Slope.

If you could send Fran a message now, what would you say?

HenryJaki Florsheim
Fran, my dear pal, I miss you. You were there for me when I needed a friend, an ear, a laugh, a cheer, a song. Thank you. You have been and always will be in my thoughts and prayers every day.
Susan Draper
Be at peace. I am so glad that your long and so unfair ordeal is over. You will be remembered for a long time with great affection by so many friends, and neighbors. Moe and Sarah will miss you always.

Never was a husband more devoted to a wife than Moe was to Fran, right?

HenryJaki Florsheim
Right! Long ago when things weren't going well for me I envied the love Moe had for Fran. Check out his devotion in the book he wrote, "Fran."
Irwin Natov
Moe was an extraordinarily caring ,devoted, and loving husband to Fran throughout the years of her growing disabilities .His dedication and devotion were without measure.
Irwin Natov

How do you plan to honor Fran's memory?

HenryJaki Florsheim
By sharing her story with my friends and by making a charitable donation in her name to Neighorhood Housing Services.
Jenna Efrein
Listen to as many different versions of "Don't fence me in" because though song she enjoyed life so much and now she's free, unfencible like she was in her life persistent and passionate.

When and how did you first meet Fran?

HenryJaki Florsheim
Spring Glen bungalow colony co-op. 1976. We were both shareholders. Lucky us.

What might Fran say about this year's presidential race?

HenryJaki Florsheim
Oy...we have to get out the vote!

What made Fran happy?

HenryJaki Florsheim
Her family...Moe, Sarah...above all. She had faith that they were there for her always.

What did Fran want to change about the world?

What words of comfort can you offer Moe and Sarah?