Obituary of Francine Conwell

Timonium, Maryland – April 14, 2026

Francine was born on July 20, 1939, in Camden, New Jersey, and spent her formative years in Jersey City, New Jersey with her beloved parents, Frank and Lauretta Conwell, and her younger sister, Kathleen. From an early age, Francine demonstrated a deep curiosity about the world and a lifelong belief in the power of education.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Wagner College on Staten Island, New York, followed by a Master’s Degree in Education from Nazareth University in Rochester, New York. She also obtained a Certificate of Advanced Study from the State University of New York at Brockport. Francine dedicated her life to education, serving as both a teacher and administrator in the Rochester City School District until her retirement in August 2002.

Throughout her distinguished career, Francine taught elementary, high school, and adult education, but her greatest impact was in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). To countless students, she was far more than a teacher—she was a mentor, advocate, and “second mother.”

Her passion for education extended far beyond the classroom. Francine was selected for a fellowship that supported summer study in Mexico in 1985, later teaching English in Ukraine during the summers of 1995 and 1996. Her global perspective led her to West Africa in 1998 with the Sister Cities organization, where she helped distribute medical and educational supplies in Bamako, Mali. She also taught English in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and instructed Japanese executives from Xerox in Rochester. In addition, she served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Rochester, teaching graduate-level TESOL courses.

Even after “retiring,” Francine’s love for teaching called her back. She returned to the classroom as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of ESOL at Monroe Community College, continuing to inspire students with her wisdom and compassion.

Francine’s life was rich with travel and cultural exploration. She cherished visits to her daughters and their families in Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and Baltimore, and found joy in gathering at her family’s summer home in Bradley Beach, New Jersey. Her travels took her across the globe—from the vibrant streets of Senegal to the historic cobblestones of Europe—and she proudly climbed the Great Wall of China.

Deeply committed to service, Francine was an active community leader. She served as president of the Rochester Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and was involved with the Bamako-Rochester Sister Cities Committee, Habitat for Humanity, and the First Saturday Book Club. She also served on the boards of the Girl Scouts of Genesee

Valley and the Oregon-Leopold Daycare Center. In her personal time, she found joy in acting and writing poetry.

Francine Harriet Conwell passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones. She was 86 years old.Francine was preceded in death by her sister, Kathleen Collins (1988); her mother, Lauretta A. Conwell (2015); and her father, Frank R. Conwell (1971).

She is lovingly survived by her three daughters: Leslie Howard (Randall), Gina Nicole Brown, and Heather Ali (Ahmad); and her seven cherished grandchildren: Myles Howard, Alexis Howard, Nicolas Howard, Gabrielle Fudd, Dominique Fudd, Hannah Ali, and Nadia Ali. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her presence.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Millard E. Latimer & Son Funeral Directors, 983 South Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, New York. A funeral service will take place on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM at The Episcopal Church of St. Luke & St. Simon Cyrene, 17 South Fitzhugh Street, Rochester, New York. The family will hold a private interment at Whitehaven Cemetery in Pittsford, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Stroke Association in Francine’s honor.

Francine’s love, strength, and unwavering commitment to others leave a lasting legacy. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on through her children, grandchildren, and the many lives she touched around the world.

Family and friends may call Thursday, April 30 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at The Latimer Chapel, 983 South Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, NY 14608. The Funeral Service to Celebrate her life will be held 10:00 AM on Friday, May 1, 2026 at St. Luke/St. Simon Cyrene Episcopal Church, 17 South Fitzhugh Street, Rochester, NY. Interment White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, NY.