Sept.
6, 1922 - Nov. 24, 2009SOUTH BEND - Frances Marion Gilroy, 87, passed away on November 24, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana. She was born September 6, 1922, in Topeka, Kansas, to the late Charles and Olive (McCahan) Hindman. As Frances Hindman, she married James E. Gilroy Jr. in St. Louis on September 12, 1943. Frances lived most of her young life around the St. Louis area, living in South Bend since 1951. At the time of her husband's death in 1994, they had 61 years of married life. Surviving her are five daughters, Patricia (Michael) Reed of Howe, IN, and Bonita Springs, FL, Mary Lee Parrish and Kathleen Gilroy of Mishawaka, Nancy (John) Wiskotoni and Linda Gilroy, both of South Bend. One daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Frank Piechowiak, preceded her in death. Also surviving are one brother, R. Clyde (Robin) Hindman of Homasassa, FL; and eight grandchildren, Michael and Tim Reed, Mark Piechowiak, Stacy Griner, Lori Snyder, Jim Wiskotoni, Heather Ryan and Molly Farrar. She also had six great-grandchildren. Frances was an avid Notre Dame hockey fan, having had season tickets for over 30 years. When she became ill, one big disappointment for her was that she was no longer able to attend the games, but listened to all of them on the radio. She was also disappointed that she would never see the new hockey arena constructed. She was also very proud of her many day lilies she grew, particularly the Frances Hindman Day Lily, which was a hybrid developed by her mother. Frances was a very quiet person, but made her presence known in her soft manner and loving spirit. She will be greatly missed by all of us. She took great pride in raising her six daughters, commonly known as "Jimmy's Girls." Frances was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church. She was employed with Equifax Services and Aquinas Bookstore prior to her retirement. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. today, November 25, in the Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 27, in St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Friends may also visit with the family from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. on Friday in church. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Darden Park," c/o Healthwin, 20531 Darden Road, South Bend, IN 46637; or to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.