Frances A. Gems

Frances Gems (1925-2026) 

Frances “Fran” Gems, nee DiBenedetto, 100, of Chicago passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday January 19, 2026. Fran was the beloved wife of the late Gerald J. Gems. She is survived by her 3 children, Gerald R.Gems (Gertrude), John Gems (Peggy), and Anita (Lionel) Vega. She was the loving Grandmother of 8 (Jeremy Kroner, Dan Vega, Katie Gems, Brooke Gems, Sean Gems, Jennie Vega, Joe Gems, Alex Gems) and Great grandmother of 12. She is preceded in death by her brothers Sam DiBenedetto, John DiBenedetto, Frank “Chico” DiBendetto, Rose Kossow, Marge (Sam) Giovenco. Fran was born on February 22, 1925 to Italian immigrant parents in Chicago, IL. It was here she met the love of her life Jerry Gems and the couple had 3 children. They were married for 59 years before his passing in 2005. During her younger years she was a stay at home mom.. She took an active role in the Mother’s Club at St. Alphonsus Parish, where Jerry also served as the football coach. Fran was a pillar of her community and was instrumental in shaping the lives of the neighborhood kids. She treated everyone as family. She was well known for culinary talents, including her famous Italian meatballs. And rumor has it that no one has ever left her house hungry. In her Golden years she enjoyed watching her great grandchildren play sports, chatting with old friends and family, or you could find her reading a juicy romance novel. She was loved by all and will be sorely missed. Visitation Monday Jan.26th from 3:00-8:00 pm at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence, Norridge, IL. Funeral services begin Tuesday at 9:00 am at the Funeral Home and will proceed to St. Alphonsus Church for Funeral Mass at 10:30 am.