Frances Baum, of Laguna Woods, CA, died on January 30, 2021 after a long illness with her family at her side.

Fran was born in Princeton, NJ, to parents Paul and Eunice Urken. She graduated from Syracuse University with a BA in religion and then earned a master’s degree from Columbia University Teacher’s College in New York City. She taught elementary school for many years. As a young single woman she traveled to Italy, enjoyed Manhattan folk music clubs and drove an MG convertible. She married Burton Baum, a chemist, in Princeton, in 1965. It only rained one day that summer, the day of their outdoor wedding, but they had a wonderful marriage. Rain turned to snow when they later moved to Mendota Heights, MN and they finally came to California to enjoy the sunshine, retiring in Laguna Woods Village in 2004.

Fran had a remarkable number of friends. She kept in touch with childhood friends throughout her lifetime, and added many more through the years. Fran had a great variety of interests. She especially loved cooking and made incredible meals for her family and friends. She also enjoyed bridge, gardening, dancing, reading, the arts, travel and was active in various Jewish women’s organizations. At Laguna Woods Village, she became a clown, named Copy Cat, sang with the Harmonaires, danced with the Rock-n-Rollers and played with the Bridge Club. She was an active member of the National Council of Jewish Women and the Reform Temple, as well as a strong supporter of South County Outreach.

Fran leaves her loving husband Burton, after 55 years of marriage, her son Paul of San Francisco, CA, her daughter Julie of St. Paul, MN, her brothers Arnold Urken of Washington DC, and Irv Urken of Princeton, NJ, and six nieces and nephews.

Funeral services and burial were private at Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge, NJ.A virtual memorial service is being planned for a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to South County Outreach, the Myositis Association (myositis.org) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.