Francoise Brophy

Francoise “Fran” Charlotte Brophy, 86 passed away peacefully on September 14, 2021. She was born April 13, 1935 in Longwy-bas, France to Marcel and Gabrielle Rencon. As a child she was forced to flee her home with her family when France was invaded during WWII. Francoise vividly remembered being aboard a train when it was bombed, and then having to walk many miles afterward to find shelter. Francoise met her late husband of 60 years, Duane “Mack” Brophy, at the American Army Base in Toul, France where Duane was stationed, and Francoise was employed. They married on August 19, 1957. Their first child, Margaret, was born at the military hospital in Toul. On June 28, 1959 the family arrived by ship at the port of New York en route to Duane’s hometown of Milwaukee; thus began Francoise’s life in Southern Wisconsin. Francoise was primarily a homemaker. Her first job as a teenager was a camp counselor. She was a secretary at the American Army base in France. Through out her life in Sun Prairie she had temporary jobs at the post office, the Wisconsin Cheeseman, and at an ice cream parlor. She volunteered at Northside Elementary school, the Sun Prairie Health Care Center, and delivered the Colonial Club Courier newsletter to various places around Sun Prairie. Her favorite hobbies included Bingo, Scrabble, and activities at the Colonial Club senior center. Through the years she loved sharing her French heritage and meeting others who spoke French. She often helped families hosting French exchange students with translating. Francoise is survived by her children Margaret Brophy, John (Mary Oliverio)  Brophy, and Anne ( Diane Steele) Brophy; grandson Devon Durand; sister Christiane ( Christian) Paternot, sisters-in-law Patricia Brophy, Barbara ( Pat) Conway, brothers-in-law James Brophy, Phil Rebensburg; and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband Duane, her parents, sister-in-law Mary Rebensburg, and brother-in-law David Brophy. A memorial service/ Celebration of Life will be held in 2022. The Brophy family would like to thank the staff at Hyland Crossing, especially Mckenna Jensen, for their wonderful and loving care of both parents during their time there. Thanks also to Brighton Hospice for their outstanding care and compassion to Francoise and her family. Special thanks to Steve Steele for his regular visits and spiritual guidance during Francoise’s stay at Hyland Crossing. Finally, we would like to thank all the friends, neighbors and local business people who helped Francoise, especially the past few years. In lieu of flowers, donations in Francoise’s name may be made to the Sun Prairie Colonial Club or an Alzheimer’s research organization.