Francine Chakolis

A warrior in the battle for equal education for all students, Francine passed away peacefully on January 15, 2019, at the age of 73. Francine came from a family of sharecroppers that suffered from discriminatory practices in Mississippi. Her background served as a catalyst that fueled her passion for education and social justice. At the age of 15, Francine dropped out of school to take care of two younger siblings and two nephews (James Greer and Vincent Liddell). After moving to Minneapolis in 1969, she got her GED and graduated from Augsburg College in three years, while raising four children. Francine received a master's degree from the University of Minnesota and served as President of Pillsbury United Neighborhood Services. She became a professor of social work at Augsburg College, where she taught for 28 years. While at Augsburg, she spearheaded a campaign that resulted in the first accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) in the United States offered in a weekend college format. While working as a professor, Francine worked tirelessly in the community, serving as the President of the Minnesota Alliance of Black School Educators and as the co-founder of Inter-Race. After retirement, she lent her expertise to numerous projects and remained dedicated to her community. Francine was a devoted wife to her husband of 46 years, Richard Chakolis Sr., and mother to her four children, Tonda, Ronda (Robert Swilling), Richard Jr. (Desma), and Fawnda (Glenn Burt). Her list of angels also included seven grandchildren: Brittain, Dejahne, Cameron, Jasmine, Dlayla, Janessa, and Richard (RJ); her great-grandkids, Nevaeh and Brittain Jr.; extended family members; and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Fannie; father, Edmund; sisters, Marie Dixon and Josephine Moore; and brother, Ed Byrd. Her surviving siblings are Irene Muldrow, Elizabeth Vaughn, Betty Liddell, and brother, Jimmie Byrd. A memorial service will be held January 26, 2019, at Speak the Word International Church, 515 Jersey Ave. S. Minneapolis (763-512-9096). Visitation is at 11:00 AM, and the service will start promptly at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting monetary memorials to the Francine Chakolis Scholarship. Donations can be mailed to 927 Vincent Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55411. Washburn-McReavy.com Crystal Lake Chapel 612-521-3677

Tributes

Francine Chakolis

December 22, 1945 - January 15, 2019

Tributes

Francine Chakolis

December 22, 1945 - January 15, 2019

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