Chicago Tribune from Chicago, Illinois • Page 2-10

10 CHICAGO TRIBUNE METRO SECTION2 ALAGNA, JOHN J. John J. "Yogi" Alagna. Retired C.P.D. Beloved son of the late Leo and Josephine Alagna; dear brother of Gus (Lucille), Angela (John), Simon and the late Peter Alagna; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friend to many; great uncle to 13.

Funeral Thursday, 9:30 a.m., from Michael Coletta Sons Funeral Home 544 W. 31st to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church. Mass 10:30 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Member of O.N.I.A.C. Please omit flowers. Visitation Wednesday, 3 to 9 p.m. 312-225-8500 Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries Death Notices The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous The Board of Trustees and staff of The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous mourn the passing of David Waldman, beloved father of JFR Trustee, Hannah Waldman. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Hannah and her family.

Harvey Schulweis, Chairman Roman Kent, President Stanlee J. Stahl, Executive Vice President Fraternal Notices SCHROEDER, MARGARET Happy Birthday Mom. We miss you very much. Things have changed since you have been gone, it will never be the same. We wait to see you again.

Love, your Children. In Memoriam Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Elmhurst 6 at $1000 or all four for $5400 call Dave 309-287-5688 Cemeteries, Crematories, Mausoleums 1.800.356.7257 Chicago Suburbs Funeral Services Attention Funeral Directors: The business hours for the placement of paid death notices are: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. 6 p.m. Faxes and e-mail: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m.

5 p.m. Faxes and e-mail: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. To place a paid death notice, please call: 312-222-2222 Fax: 312-222-4014 e-mail: BIENIEK, MATTHEW J. Matthew J. Bieniek, age 74, of Johnsburg, formerly of Skokie, former proprietor of the Drake Bowl located at Montrose and Drake.

At rest Monday, Jan. 14. Beloved husband of Rosemarie, nee Ranft; loving father of Barbara (Bryan) Patterson of Johnsburg; cherished grandfather of Brandon and Bryson. Resting at the George R. Justen Son Funeral Home 3519 W.

Elm McHenry, IL. Visitation Thursday, Jan. 17, from 11a.m. to 12 p.m. Funeral Blessing 12 p.m.

in the funeral home. Entombment Ascension Cemetery. Info 815-385-2400. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries ARAMBURU, PATRICIA R. Patricia R.

Aramburu, 58, nee Quinlan of Warrenville, beloved wife of Rick; loving mother of Cortney (Jeff) Bertucci, Jennifer Dale), Bridget and Marcie; cherished grandma of Alexis, Joey, Kylie, Jeffrey, Lucas, Elle and Carson; proud sister of Kathryne (Bill) Kearney, James Quinlan, Mary (Russ) Delaney, Joanne (John) Salemi, Geralyn (Sam) Cecola, Marian (Chuck) Welch, Margaret (Paul) Pacelli and Jean (Dave) Erhardt. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Kathryne and Thomas Quinlan and her brother, Tom Quinlan. She will be missed by all who knew her. Visitation Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home 430 E.

Roosevelt Rd. (1blk. E. of Naperville Wheaton. Funeral Thursday, 10 a.m.

Mass at St. Eulalia Church, 1845 S. 9th Maywood, IL, please meet at Church. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Info 630-668-0016 or www.williams-kampp.com Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries ALECKSON, J.

ANDREW J. Andrew "Andy" Aleckson, 57, of Libertyville, died suddenly Jan. 12, in Chicago. He was the beloved husband of Judy, nee Pankau; loving father of Michael (Heather Weber) Aleckson and Kristin (Craig) Swanson; devoted son of Bill and Frances Aleckson; dear brother of Pam Dedrick, Paul (Susan), Bob and Mark. 1968 graduate of Stevenson HS, and Butler University, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity.

Owner of Aleckson Insurance Agency in Mudelein. Visitation from noon, until time of service at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 at First Presbyterian Church, Maple and Douglas Libertyville. Memorial info, Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 847-362-3009.

Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries ALDRIDGE, FRANCES Frances Aldridge, of Montclair, NJ, formerly of Hinsdale, IL, Key Biscayne and Stuart, FL, on Jan 10, 2008, beloved mother of Janet Valdes-Dapena and George, Tom, and John Wallerich; cherished grandmother of six. Funeral arrangements by Caggiano Memorial Montclair, NJ, 973-744-6667. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2 p.m. at The Mariner Sands Chapel in Stuart.

Donations to The Valerie Fund, 2101Millburn Maplewood, NJ, 07040 in her memory would be appreciated. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries ALBERTS, WILLIAM J. William J. Alberts, of Western Springs, Army Air Force Veteran WWII, beloved husband of Marilyn, nee Harazin; loving father of Michael (Karen), Marilyn (Richard) Reimer, Nancy (Chuck) McGregor and Cathy (John) Grundke; devoted grandfather of Katie, Megan, Erin, Colin, Rick, Nick, Alyssa and Jessica. Visitation 4 to 9 p.m.

Thursday at Hallowell James Funeral Home 1025 W. 55th Countryside. Prayers 10:30 a.m. Friday from the funeral home to St. John of the Cross Church in Western Springs for Mass at 11:15 a.m.

Interment Clarendon Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the church would be appreciated. Funeral info 708-352-6500. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries BOWEN, RUTH M. Ruth M.

Bowen, age 78, beloved wife of the late Elmer "Al" Bowen; loving mother of Deborah (David) Steven; dear sister-in- law of Calvin (Roberta) Bowen; fond aunt of William, James, Robert, Jeffrey and Susan. Visitation Thursday, 3 to 8:00 p.m., at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home 430 E. Roosevelt Rd. (1blk. east of Naperville Wheaton.

Funeral service Friday, 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment Wheaton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the charity of the choice appreciated. Service info: 630-668-0016 or www.williams-kampp.com Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries BORYSEK, JOSEPH Joseph Borysek, 65, of Westchester, beloved husband of Vera Ann; loving father of John; devoted son of Marie and the late Jan Borysek and son-in-law of Jolana and the late Samko Babiar; fond brother of Zdenek Borysek. President of the United Moravian Societies and retired employee of American National Can Corp.

Funeral Saturday, 9:30 a.m. from Hursen Funeral Home SW corner of Roosevelt Mannheim Roads, to Our Lady of the Mount Church, Cicero, IL. Mass 10:30 a.m. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Visitation Friday 3 to 9 p.m.

Memorials to the Czech Mission in Cicero suggested. Info toll-free 800-562-0082 or www.hursen.com Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries BOLLING, PEHR O. Pehr O. Bolling, 88, of Bensenville, formerly of Antioch, passed away Jan. 14, 2008, after an extended illness.

Cofounder and President of Overland Bolling Franklin Park. WWII Veteran of the U.S. Army Aircorps. Beloved husband of Harriet, nee Wikstrom, for 66 years; dear father of Barbara (Paul) Rimington and the late Thomas (Birgitta); loving grandfather of Robert (Amy) Rimington, Kristin Rimington (Mario Aragon), Marie Bolling and the late Carl Bolling; great- grandfather of Ellie and Luke Rimington; fond brother of Bengt (late Laurie), the late Martha (late Gote) Freeman, Carl (late Eleanor) and Hans (late Dale); also survived by nieces and a nephew. Member for nearly 70 years of Chicago Swedish Male Chorus, member of the Suncoast Veterans Chorus; past-president of Central Division A.U.S.S., former board member of the A.U.S.S.

Heritage Foundation; recipient of A.U.S.S. outstanding service medal; member of Ver- dandi Lodge I.O.S.; recipient of the Annual Swedish-American Museum Award; recipient of the Royal Northstar Medal. Visitation Thursday 4 to 9 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home 820 N. Talcott Road (at Cumberland), Park Ridge.

Funeral Service Friday, 11a.m., at the Funeral Home. Interment Acacia Park Cemetery. Memorials to the Swedish American Museum, 5211N. Clark, Chicago, IL 60640, appreciated. Service info: 847-823-5122.

Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries BOLDEBUCK, LESTER A. Lester A. Boldebuck, of Hinsdale, age 85, beloved husband of Margaret Ann, nee Gorman; loving father of Cynthia (John Wheeler, Catherine (Daniel Baumgartner, David (Eileen Korty) Boldebuck, Suzanne (Steve) Collins and Mary Patricia (Thomas III) Davenport; loving grandfather of J.D. and Kate Wheeler, Matthew, Michael and Scott Baumgartner, Margaret and Irene Boldebuck, Ryan and Christopher Collins, Thomas IV and Jack Davenport; dear brother of Ruth Lorenz, Lois Smith, Laverne Capasso, Burton Boldebuck and the late Earl and Irvin Boldebuck. Visitation Friday, Jan.

18, 2 to 8 p.m. at Gibbons Elliston Funeral Home First and Grant Hinsdale, IL, 60521. Family and friends will meet Saturday, Jan. 19 at St. Isaac Jogues Church, Fourth and Clay Hinsdale, for 10 a.m.

Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Association, 4709 Golf Suite 1015, Skokie, IL 60076. Interment Bronswood Cemetery, Oak Brook. 630-323-0275. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries CARROLL, JOSEPH H.

Joseph H. "Joe" Carroll, 94, of Maywood, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007, beloved husband of Hazel, nee Fulton; brother-in-law of Catherine Williams, Delano, Josephine and Mayme (Lloyd) Fulton. Mr. Carroll was a Veteran of WWII and retiree of International Harvester.

Visitation and Services at A.R. Leak Sons 7838 S. Cottage Grove on Jan. 17, 2008, 6 to 8 p.m. 773-846-6567.

Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries CACIC, JANET K. Janet K. Cacic, age 86, of Westmont, IL, loving wife of Stephen Cacic; cherished mother of Colleen (Thomas) Gradle and Gary Cacic; fond sister of the late Robert (Caroline) Haase; grandmother of Amy, Meghan, the late Thomas, Erin and Rebecca Gradle. Preceded in death by her parents, Fred H. Haase and Jeanette.

Mass Wednesday, 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Westmont. No visitation. Toon Funeral Home 630-968-0408. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries BURNS, JOHN T.

John T. Burns, age 73, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, late of Romeoville, formerly of Arkansas. A Budget Analyst for United Airlines retiring in 2001. Veteran of the Korean War, serving U.S.

Marines 1953 to 1956. Beloved husband of Vera Burns; loving father of Barb (Tom) Taylor of Dallas, TX, Bonnie Burns of Romeoville, IL and Timothy (Mary) Burns of Shorewood, IL; cherished grandfather of Thomas, Jenna and Michael Taylor, also Jacob, Samuel and Noah Burns. He is preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Burns; and a brother, Billy Bob Burns. Visitation Thursday 3 to 8 p.m. at the Anderson Memorial Chapel 606 Townhall Dr.

in Romeoville with a Service that evening at 7 p.m. Friends and family will meet Friday, Jan. 18, 2008 at 11a.m. for interment of cremains and military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. 815-886-2323.

Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries BRICK, BARRY S. Barry S. Brick, 63, loving father of Samantha (Scott) Schultz, Alison (Jordan) Jacobs and Nicolette Brick; cherished grandfather of Alexis and Brody Schultz; devoted son of the late Sam and Phyllis Brick; dear brother of Sherwin (Sherry) Brick; fond uncle; former husband and dear friend of Lani and Agnieszka. Graveside Service Wednesday, 12 Noon at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rainbow Hospice, 444 N. Northwest Hwy, Ste 145, Park Ridge, IL 60068-1427. For info: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home 847-255-3520. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries BRAZAS, WESLEY J. Wesley J.

Brazas, 72, of Hampshire, at rest Jan. 12, 2008, beloved husband of Dolores; loving father of Wesley Christopher (Joanne), Donna (Philip), Judy, Jeanne (Marc), Jefferson (Kathy); proud grandfather of 11; and dear brother of the late Dorothy Symbula. Mr. Brazas was an Illinois licensed civil engineer and land surveyor. He began his career with the Illinois Dept.

of Transportation and went on to work with the Water Reclamation District in Chicago and the village of Lombard. Wes was a member of the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Hampshire and a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council Professionally, he was a member of the Illinois Professional Land Assn. and was a Fellow in the American Society of Civil Engineers. He was also a veteran of the US Army Air Force.

Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 at the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 297 E. Jefferson Hampshire.

Burial in the St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery. Visitation from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Fredrick Funeral Home, 284 Park Hampshire with Rosary at 4 p.m. and wake prayers at 7:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions in name may be directed to the Capital Campaign of St. Charles Borromeo Church, 297 E. Jefferson Hampshire, IL 60140-7646. Information 847-683-2711. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries Be sure those who care are informed of arrangements.To place a death (312) or fax (312) 222-4014.

WHEN WORDS US HELP COFRAN, BERTHA Bertha Cofran, nee Maodush Jan. 14, 2008, age 89, late of Homewood, beloved wife of Roy Cofran and the late John H. Kellogg; dear mother of Larry Kellogg, Dave Cofran, Glenn Cofran and the late Harold Kellogg; loving sister of Marie Yerkovich, Anne Bielawski and Helen Olthoff, also the late Dan, Milan and George Maodush and Mildred Lefler. Resting at the Tews Funeral Home 18230 S. Dixie Homewood, Thursday, Jan.

17 from 3 to 9 p.m. Services Friday, 11a.m. Interment Washington Memory Gardens. Memorials to your charity of choice would be appreciated. 708-798-5300.

Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries CHIKA, GRACE G. Grace G. Chika, nee Johnson beloved wife of John P. Chika; loving mother of Nancy, Steven (Deborah) and John (Diane) Chika; grandmother of Katherine, Christopher, Heather, Kevin, Emily, Jessica and the late Nicholas; dear sister of Lois Peterson and Doris Kats. Visitation Thursday 3:30 p.m.

to 8 p.m. Funeral Service Friday, 10 a.m. at Adams-Winterfield Sullivan Funeral Home 4343 Main St. (1blk. So.

of Ogden Downers Grove. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Lung Association or American Cancer Society appreciated. 630-968-1000 or www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries CATRAMBONE JOSEPH B. Joseph B.

"Chorm" Catrambone beloved husband of the late Marian, nee Danza; loving father of Kathy, Angela, Judy (Myra Tatarowicz), Joseph Jr. and Monica (Joe) Rondone; fond grandfather of Jennifer (Kevin) Holland, Melissa Ann (Walter) Prest, Douglas Mroz, Jessica, Liz and Annie Rondone; great-grandfather of Nicholas and Stephen Holland; dear brother of the late Gregory (Gloria) and the late Theresa (Nicola) Catrambone, Dominic (Marie), Vito (Cecilia), Mary (Joseph) Decina, Rose (Sam) Giangrego, Gregorio, Susan and Joseph Modesto; fond uncle of many. Funeral Thursday prayers and eulogy 9 a.m. from Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence Norridge, to St.

John Cantius Church. Mass 11a.m. Interment Mount Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Catrambone Family Memorial Park, 2127 W. Bowler, Chicago, IL 60612 would be appreciated.

Visitation Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 9 p.m. 708-456-8300 or www.cumberlandchapels.com Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries CASTELLANETA, ELSIE Elsie Castellaneta, age 81, of Westchester, formerly of Oak Park, beloved wife of Louis; loving mother of Daniel (Deb Lacusta), Paula (Peter) Pohlhammer and Gina (Peter Coombs) Castellaneta; cherished grandmother of Calvin and Cary Pohlham- mer; great-grandmother of Jade Pohlham- mer; dear sister of Doris Holzkamp and Norma (the late James) Backes; fond aunt and cousin of many. Visitation Thursday 4 to 9 p.m. at Drechsler, Brown Williams Funeral Home 203 S. Marion Oak Park.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena and St. Lucy Church, 38 N. Austin Oak Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wellness House, 131N. County Line Road, Hinsdale, IL 60521or the American Cancer Society are appreciated. Funeral info: 708-383-3191. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries JOSEPH Joseph age 52, of Elmhurst, loving husband of Denise, nee Provenzano; adored father of Dina (Johnny Brown), Frank, and Samantha; cherished brother of Anthony (Joan) Rallo and Mary Grace (Frank) Giudice; many other family and friends. Funeral service Thursday, 8:30 a.m.

from Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main Lombard, to Visitation Catholic Church for 9:30 a.m. Mass. Visitation Wednesday, 3 to 9 p.m. Interment Queen of Heaven.

Info toll-free 888-629-0094. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries COOK, HELEN E. Helen E. Cook, nee Galeotti age 88, beloved wife of the late Edwin; loving mother of Susan (Wayne) Weislak, Michael (Paula), Edwin (Jayne) and Joseph (Kathy); loving grandmother of Val, Bill, Missy, Dan, Amy, Courtney, Caroline, Joey, Andrew and Jimmy; great-grandmother of 11; dear sister of Lee (the late Jack) Kelen, Al (Lil) Gale and Hank (Doris) Galeotti; fond aunt of many. Funeral Friday, 10 a.m.

from Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence Norridge, to Divine Savior Church. Mass 11 a.m. Interment St. Adalbert Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Masses appreciated. Visitation Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. 708-456-8300 or www.cumberlandchapels.com Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries COLLINS, THERESA VANDERLAAN Theresa VanderLaan Collins, Oct. 9, 1906 to Jan. 9, 2007, age 101, of Ada, MI, formerly of Naples, FL and Chicago, died Wednesday, Jan.

9, 2008 at Heather Hills Care Center in Grand Rapids, MI. She was the daughter of Lubbertus S. and Nettie VanderLaan and grew up in Hudsonville, MI. Mrs. Collins was a long time member of Ada Congregational Church, active with St.

Cecilia Music Society, Shakesperiana, and she traveled the United States and Europe. She greatly enjoyed sailing which she did for 80 years of her life. She will be dearly missed by many for her joy of life, sense of adventure and presence for 101years. She was preceded in death in 1974 by her husband, Kreigh Taylor Collins-illustrator for whom she was muse and inspiration for his art and writing. She was also preceded by three brothers and two sisters.

Surviving her are her one brother, Boyd VanderLaan of Hudsonville; her four sons Eric (Jan) of Wilmington, DE; David (Elvira) of Chicago, Glen (Mary) of Gurnee, IL, Kevin (Mary) of Ada; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. She will be especially missed by her beloved nieces and nephew, Linda Buonanno, Martha Simpson and Tim Smith. The family expresses special thanks to the staff at Heather Hills Care Center and Retirement Village, Homewatch Caregivers, and Hospice of West Michigan. The family will receive relatives and friends at Metcalf and Jonkhoff on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008 from 2 to 4 p.m.

and 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday Jan. 18, 2008 from 7 to 9 p.m. A memorial service will be celebrated at 11am on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008 at Ada Congregational Church with her pastor, Rev.

Gary Burdick, officiating. Interment Ada Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Ada Congregational Church or a charity of your choice. The family is being served by Metcalf Jonkhoff Funeral Service, Rd. SE, at Kenmoor, of I-96 www.metcalfandjonkhoff.com By Jocelyn Y.

Stewart TRIBUNE NEWSPAPERS LOS ANGELES Maila Nurmi, an actress who created the glamorous ghoul Vampirain the 1950s, was found dead in her Hollywood home Thursday. She was 86. The cause of death was still being investigated, said Lt. Fred Corralof the Los Angeles County office. In the early days of television, Ms.

Nurmi created the character Vampira to host late-night fright films. Layering on her own brand of camp, Vampira played with her pet tarantula, gave gruesome recipes for vampire cocktails and bathed in a boiling caldron. With a knack for double- entendre and the requisite blood- chilling scream, Vampira was a hit. The character won Ms. Nurmi fame and a dedicated cult following.

Ms. Nurmi claimed Vampira was the uncredited inspiration for later ghoulish yet glamorous female characters in film and on television. In Nurmi appeared in the Edward Woodzombie movie 9 From Outer Ms. influence can be seen in the teenage look of today, said Dana comedy writer, comedian and her longtime friend. Little came of Ms.

efforts to land conventional leading roles in theater or film. But the unconventional came calling in 1953, after she attended a Hollywood masquerade ball dressed as the ghoul of Charles Yorker cartoons. looked as though been she said. Ms.Nurmi’s costume was judged the best at the ball, according to vampirasattic.com, her Web site. Months later, a KABC television producer offered her work as hostess of a late-night horror show.

In creating Vampira, Ms. Nurmi said she went beyond the Addams cartoon, developing an alter ego influenced by beatnik culture and her experience as a child of the Depression. But in 1955, KABC canceled her show, and the result was a stinging decline. During the height of her career, she had met Wood at a party and felt nothing but disdain, she told People magazine in 1994. But when Wood approached her in 1956 and offered her $200 to appear in his movie, she accepted.

was scraping by on $13 a she told People. thought, here I go. going to commit professional suicide right 9 From Outer famously has been called the worst film ever made. Ms. Nurmi appeared in a few more movies, but by the 1960s her career had taken a turn toward oblivion.

Los Angeles Times MAILA NURMI I1921 2008 As Vampira, actress hosted fright films 1954 UPI photo Layering on her own brand of camp, Maila Vampira played with her pet tarantula and gave gruesome recipes for vampire cocktails. Maila Nurmi Character won cult following and reportedly inspired later ghoulish yet glamorous characters in film and on television By Trevor Jensen TRIBUNE REPORTER Mary Frances Purse started singing lessons in high school, and for some 50 years her soaring soprano rang out from stages that ranged from the Broadway theater to the chancel of her Evanston church. Mrs. Purse, 84, died Wednesday, Dec. 19, in Maryhaven nursing home in Glenview, her daughter, Marcia, said.

Mrs. Purse had suffered a number of ailments since undergoing surgery for an intestinal problem in 2005, her daughter said. Known as Mary Fran, Mrs. Purse studied music and voice at Lawrence University in Appleton, and Northwestern University following her graduation from Evanston Township High School. She sang during summer festivals in Chicago and in the mid-1940s, went to New York for a stab at Broadway.

In 1946, she appeared in Michael lavish production of "The Would-Be Gentleman." But Mrs. coloratura soprano was not well-suited to musical theater and roles proved scarce. In 1948, spurred in part by a letter from her mother about a good-looking man who had moved in next door, she moved back to Evanston. She married the neighbor, Frank Purse, in 1949, and raised a family in Evanston, Skokie and Northfield. At the same time, she kept an active singing schedule, appearing regularly in recitals and soloing with groups including the Racine (Wis.) Symphony Orchestra, the North Shore Choral Society and the North Shore Chamber Choir.

In 1957, she won the coloratura soprano division in the Chicagoland Music Festival, a competition sponsored annually by Chicago Tribune Charities. She performed an aria that was a staple for her throughout her singing career, "Caro Nome" from "Rigoletto," as well as a Grand Night for Singing," a Rodgers and Hammerstein number from "State Fair" that was required of all contestants. Mrs. Purse was born Mary Frances Godwin and grew up on North Side and in Evanston. At 8, she contracted a mild form of polio that affected her throat and left her unable to talk properly for a brief period.

Her recovery was complete and as a high school senior, she started formal singing lessons, her daughter said. Mrs. Purse sang with the choir at St. Episcopal Church in Evanston for more than 50 years. In the 1970s and 1980s, she was a member of the Opera-tunists, which gave performances for the Lyric Opera Guild to introduce the upcoming Lyric season.

She also was active with the Papai Players, which performed children- friendly version of operas like "Hansel and Gretel" at North Shore grade schools. Mrs. husband, an engineer who worked for Universal Oil Products in Des Plaines, died in 1996. Mrs. Purse is also survived by two sons, Bill and Bob; and five grandchildren.

A memorial service is set for 10 a.m. Jan. 26 in St. Episcopal Church, 2120 Lincoln Evanston. A reception will follow in the Hilton Garden Inn, 1818 Maple Evanston.

MARY FRANCES PURSE I1923 2007 Soprano at home on stage, in church Versatile singer performed show tunes, sacred works and opera in her more than 50-year music career In 1957, Mary Frances Purse won the coloratura soprano division in the Chicagoland Music Festival. Product: CTMETRO PubDate: 01-16-2008 Zone: ALL Edition: HD Page: 2-10 User: cci Time: Color:.