Florence K. Franz

Florence “Kammy” (Kahmar) Franz, age 81, of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 21, 2024.  She was the spouse of George Franz, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late George Kahmar and Edith (Austin) Kahmar.  

Kammy graduated from Haverford High School in 1960, Muhlenberg College in 1964, and taught in the Nether Providence School District, earning her Master's in Education from the University of Pennsylvania.   Once the children were born, her focus was on being a wife and mother for several years until returning to substitute teaching at the middle and high schools of Kennett Consolidated and Unionville-Chadds Ford School Districts.

Service and community tied to education were at the core of Kammy’s life- from serving on the Chadds Ford Elementary PTO to being elected to the Unionville Chadds Ford School District school board, to the West Chester Adult Night School board to teaching the new members and Luther 101 class at St. Michael’s Lutheran church for years- her passion for education never waned.  She was also active with the Brownies and Girl Scouts, serving as Chief Cookie for the Girl Scout cookie’s sales for many years.

The highlight of her year, every year, was the two weeks spent in Ocean City, NJ, with the “Beach Bunch”, now encompassing three generations.  Sitting in their umbrella grove, solving all the world's problems while planning their annual Shrimp Feast is what gave her incredible joy.

Kammy’s faith was integral to her life, as she and George were members of St. Michael’s from the initial location on South Broad Street in Kennett Square, to helping the congregation move to its current location on Doe Run Road.  She served on every committee and every role during her time there- Church Council President, Call Committee, Worship and Music Committee and many more, and was a faithful member of the choir for many years.  Her greatest impact may have been her role as a Caring Shepherd, where her unique approach was deeply appreciated by her flock.

Kammy was small in stature but she was truly larger than life.  She was opinionated and willful and everyone knew where they stood in her eyes.  She loved to laugh and her cackle was infectious.  She was most proud of her three grandchildren and never shied away from telling people all about them.  Kammy lost the love of her life, George, in 2020 and both will be memorialized together.  

Kammy is survived by her son David Franz (Melanie), of Tucson, Arizona; daughter Wendy Fox (Keith), of Whitehall, Pennsylvania; and three grandchildren, Branden Franz, Kendra Fox, and Elijah Fox.

You are invited to visit with Kammy (and George’s) family and friends on May 25, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00 am at St. Michael’s Church, 109 East Doe Run Road, Unionville, PA 19375.  A memorial service for Kammy and her late husband, George, will follow at 11:00 am, luncheon to follow.   Interment will be held privately. Memorial contributions may be made to the George W. Franz Advising and Mentoring Award at Penn State Brandywine (donate here)  or the Franz-Kahmar Scholarship at Penn State Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Road, Media, PA 19063.

Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.   To view Florence’s (Kammy's) online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com