Frances B Julian

Frances B. Julian died on April 1, after a short illness. She was 88 years old and lived in Indianapolis all of her life. She was the matriarch of her family and an active participant in many civic, arts and community organizations as a board member and volunteer.

Frances was born on July 11, 1923, the daughter of Joseph M. Bloch and Roslyn Leopold Bloch. J. M. Bloch was the proprietor of The Gibson Company, the first automotive parts distributor in the world. She married Bill Julian in 1946. The marriage lasted 58 years until Bill's death in 2004.

Frannie, as she was known to her friends, went to School 66, Shortridge High School and Sarah Lawrence College. She did graduate work in social work at Bryn Mawr and in library science at Indiana University. She was a proud member of the Clique Club, a group of women who became friends in grade school and remained friends for more than 80 years. In recognition of her lifelong dedication to libraries and reading, her children created an award in her name at Park Tudor School for a student library volunteer.

Frances was a creative force in the cultural life of Indianapolis. Her special project was The Children's Museum, on whose board she served for 35 years. She co-chaired the celebration dedicating the current Museum complex in 1976. She was proud that The Children's Museum has remained at a mid-town location accessible to all children of the Indianapolis community.

She was an active member of the boards of the Indianapolis Symphony, the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Cathedral Arts and the Indiana Repertory Theater. She was among the original group of supporters that established the IRT. She was a close collaborator with Tom Beczkiewicz in initiating the International Violin Competition.

She was also a creative force in the civic life of Indianapolis, serving on the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee and boards of the Central Indiana Foundation, the United Way, including its Allocation Committee, and the Community Service Council, among others. She was proud of the work she did with the Salem Village tenants' council to assure that both girls and boys had recreational opportunities when a Boys' Club was established in the neighborhood.

Along with her husband Bill, who was active in interfaith activities as a member of the Jewish community, she endowed a lecture on interfaith dialogue in the Jewish Studies Program at Indiana University. She and Bill were members of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation and Congregation Beth El Zedeck.

She and Bill had a large circle of friends and liked to entertain at the University Club and at their home on the north side of Indianapolis. She had an infectious sense of fun and lived an active life travelling to exotic places with Bill, including bicycling throughout Europe.

She is survived by her children Bill Julian (Robin Kulakow) of Davis, California; Jon Julian (Terrill Douglas) of Williamsville, Vermont; and Anne Lennon (Brad) of Indianapolis; eight grandchildren " Alyssa Collova (Eric) of Cincinnati Ohio, Sarah Julian of Oakland California; Megan Haring (Duane) of Houston, Texas; Adrian Julian of Boulder, Colorado; Adam Julian of Northampton, Massachusetts; Emily Lennon of Cincinnati, Ohio; David and Leah Julian of Davis, California; and two great grandchildren, Jordan Collova and Carson Haring.

Her family will host a celebration of Fran's life at a later date. Donations may be sent to the Children's Museum or a charity of choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary. Friends and family are invited to leave a message of condolence at www.arnmortuary.com.