Frances Therese Bernstein

Frances (Fran) Therese Bernstein, 94, of Duluth, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the home of her beloved daughter, Liz. Fran was born in Minneapolis, MN on July 20, 1932. She was the middle daughter of Margaret and Roy Hansen and was spoiled by love. Her sisters, Jean and Karen, made certain that Fran was not the middle child, but rather, the center child. This love and adoration strengthened Fran’s spine and made her a force in the world. She would go on to use that strength in her life. She married and had two children: Jon and Liz, whom she loved fiercely. During that time, she suffered from alcoholism. But that fire in her heart and iron in her spine made her fight. She earned her sobriety, claimed a new life for herself by entering the work force at a time when most women did not, became a leader in her field, and a source of profound wisdom and strength for all who knew her. Fran dedicated her career to the Drug and Alcohol Unit at Miller-Dwan Hospital in Duluth, where she was hired as the first female Counselor and eventually retired as the first female Director. She spent many years organizing retreats for women’s growth groups all around the United States. Fran was awarded an award from the Governor of Minnesota for her work in Chemical Dependency. Fran was a proud member of the Duluth Women’s Club and served a term as president. She was also a member of the Lester Park Senior Women’s League, where she was known to hit a mean golf ball! She loved playing bridge, but her true love was her family. Fran was described as intimidating sometimes, on account of her willingness to see the truth and speak it, but she did so out of love and a belief in your dignity – a gift she gave many of us when we needed it most. Her loyalty to the goodness she could see in us was fierce, palpable, and often the fuel we needed to fight for ourselves as well. Her proudest personal achievement, aside from the family she created, was her 58 years of sobriety. More than that though, was the sobriety she helped usher into the world in the form of hundreds of people she counseled throughout her career. The world is less foggy because of Fran Bernstein. Fran is preceded in death by her mom, dad, brother James, sister Jean, husband Erwin (Bernie), and son Jon. She is survived by the jewel in her life’s crown: her daughter, Liz (Erich). Additionally, by her grandchildren: Stefanie (Arthur), Tyler, Alex (Katy), and Page (Amanda). Furthermore, by those she called her “miracles”, her great grands: Mattis, Mary, Elijah, Ella, and Lauren. Lastly, by her cherished nieces and nephews: Peggy, Dan, Greg, Nancy, Cathy, Michael, Chris, Jean, and Beth. Fran was a woman of immense faith in God, faith in all of us, and the most fun party host you’ll ever know. She loved and was loved to the end. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial gift to Gateway House, Inc., 423 Croft Street, Greenville, SC 29609, or visit gateway-sc.org/donate. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.thehowzemortuary.com. The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest, is assisting the family with arrangements. (864) 834-8051.

Frances Therese Bernstein

July 20, 1932 - August 1, 2026