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“When Franny donated Phil's library to the University, we then could create a beautiful reading room in his memory for all students to enjoy,” Chapman said. “ ...

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial tributes be made to the Fresno State English Department in honor of Frances Levine. Checks can be made to the Fresno State Foundation, with “Philip Levine Scholarship” in the memo, and mailed to 5245 N. Backer Ave., PB98, Fresno, CA 93740. She will reach out, bridging the abyss between any two humans, and offer this kiss, this true gift, this brief meeting of spheres, and you’ll feel like a balloon being inflated, and believe quite suddenly in the possibility of grace.” “When she greets you, Franny Levine, a small woman with an impossibly bright smile and soft eyes magnified by her glasses, will reach up to you and cup your face in her hands; she’ll hold you there, look you in the eye, never blinking, and kiss you square on the lips or maybe on the side of your face, keeping you in her embrace for a second or two — and this small gesture, this mark is filled with more kindness and love than most people get in a day or a week or a month. In both Fresno and Brooklyn, she served as host to many big gatherings, which often included Phil’s poet contemporaries and former students. Franny’s experimentation in the kitchen often included fresh vegetables from their expansive backyard garden and ingredients from local markets and shops. She drew still lives of fruit on a table, seasonal flowers in a vase and views out of whatever window she found herself in front of. She loved writing letters to friends, doing the daily New York Times crossword puzzle, and reading extensively the latest literary fiction and crime novels by Donna Leon and Martin Walker. Their legacy will surely inspire future generations of student writers to become creative thinkers who make the world a better place, just as Franny and Phil did.” Her friend Dianne Hanzlicek said Franny was “happiest when sketching” and making art. “When Franny donated Phil’s library to the University, we then could create a beautiful reading room in his memory for all students to enjoy,” Chapman said. “Her contributions elevated our sense of community and fomented our resolve to forge a more embracing and multicultural environment,” Jiménez-Sandoval said. Franny’s spirited presence illuminated conversation, reflection and a sense of togetherness.”