Frances Simek Engelbrecht

April 17, 1933 - October 6, 2020

On Tuesday, October 6th, 2020, Frances Simek Engelbrecht, loving mother & grandmother, passed away at age 87.

Fran was born on April 17, 1933 in San Diego, California to Laura Simek and John Simek.  She went to A&M Consolidated High School in Bryan/College Station. Fran married Henry “Hank” Engelbrecht in 1951. They settled in Beaumont, Texas and raised a daughter, Paige, and a son, Darrin.  She was a longtime employee of Gulf States Utilities where she was an executive assistant and a member of the Reddy Rhythms, their vocal ensemble.  Fran was an Aggie.  Her father-in-law, Henry Engelbrecht, Sr., planted the trees that line the main entrance to the Texas A&M Campus.  Her husband, brother, companion, and daughter are all Former Students.  Her grandson and granddaughter-in-law will graduate and become Former Students in December. She loved Aggie football and got pretty loud when it came to game time.  She loved her birds and squirrels, the color blue, the goat pasture in College Station, and if you have read this far, she likely loved you too.  A cause near and dear to Fran was the EJ’s Empty Stocking Fund/Christmas Bureau, where she donated years of her time, service, and heart. 

Generous, selfless, formidable, fierce, and contagiously joyful, she had the will to fight for herself and what she believed in ingrained in her DNA. Her legacy will live on through the ways in which she consistently embodied these characteristics, sending ripples across posterity that will reach far beyond her impressive years of life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John & Laura Simek, husband, Henry Engelbrecht, brother John Simek, sister-in-law Barbara Simek, sister-in-law Netta Simek, and brother-in-law Bill Reynolds.  Fran is survived by her daughter, Paige Mann & her fiancé Christine, son, Darrin Engelbrecht & wife Kim,  grandson Matthew Engelbrecht & wife Katie, granddaughters Sidney & Shelby Engelbrecht, nieces Vickie Stotts & Monique Stewart, nephews Dale Reynolds, JB Simek, and Mark Engelbrecht, sisters-in-law Joyce Reynolds and Camille Engelbrecht, brother-in-law Travis Engelbrecht, daughter-in-law Melanie Leonard, and her loving companion, Charlie Weinbaum.

A celebration of life ceremony will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 24, 2020, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont. It will be open to the public and face masks and social distancing will be mandatory while indoors.  The family will receive guests at the church prior to the ceremony beginning at 10:15 a.m. Texas A&M gear and colors, while not mandatory, are encouraged and will be celebrated. Livestream the service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October, 24 2020 at www.facebook.com/TrinityUMCBeaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to EJ’s Empty Stocking Fund c/o Beaumont Enterprise, P.O. Box 3017, Beaumont, Texas 77704-Please note EJ Donation on envelope when sending.

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Celebration of Life Ceremony

Celebration of Life Ceremony
  • 3430 harrison ave. beaumont tx 77706
  • 10/24/2020
  • 11:00 am

Broussard's Mortuary - McFaddin Avenue

Broussard's Mortuary - McFaddin Avenue
  • 2000 mcfaddin avenue beaumont tx 77701

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Gwen Mercer

To All Who Love Frances: Life can be tough enough at best. A few curve balls later and we begin to ask ourselves (or whoever will listen) "why me, why her, why this?" But not our Frances. She'll give you a diatribe on why you should be looking at the other side of the question, e.g., get on with a solution," "put your big-girl (or boy)-breeches on and stop feeling sorry for yourself." (I quote that not for anyone in particular it's just sooo Frances, and she lived by it.) I already miss her! .............Your fellow April 17 baby and soulmate, Gwen My love, Gwen Oh, sweet Paige! Life can be tough enough at best. A few curve balls later and we begin to ask ourselves (or whoever will listen) "why me, why her, why this?" But not our Frances. She'll give you a diatribe on why you should be looking at the other side of the question, e.g., get on with a solution," "put your big-girl breeches on and stop feeling sorry for yourself." (I quote that not for you; it's just sooo Frances, and she lived by it.) I already miss her! My love, Gwen Oh, sweet Paige! Life can be tough enough at best. A few curve balls later and we begin to ask ourselves (or whoever will listen) "why me, why her, why this?" But not our Frances. She'll give you a diatribe on why you should be looking at the other side of the question, e.g., get on with a solution," "put your big-girl breeches on and stop feeling sorry for yourself." (I quote that not for you; it's just sooo Frances, and she lived by it.) I already miss her! My love, Gwen Oh, sweet Paige! Life can be tough enough at best. A few curve balls later and we begin to ask ourselves (or whoever will listen) "why me, why her, why this?" But not our Frances. She'll give you a diatribe on why you should be looking at the other side of the question, e.g., get on with a solution," "put your big-girl breeches on and stop feeling sorry for yourself." (I quote that not for you; it's just sooo Frances, and she lived by it.) I already miss her! My love, Gwen Oh, sweet Paige! Life can be tough enough at best. A few curve balls later and we begin to ask ourselves (or whoever will listen) "why me, why her, why this?" But not our Frances. She'll give you a diatribe on why you should be looking at the other side of the question, e.g., get on with a solution," "put your big-girl breeches on and stop feeling sorry for yourself." (I quote that not for you; it's just sooo Frances, and she lived by it.) I already miss her! My love, Gwen Oh, sweet Paige! Life can be tough enough at best. A few curve balls later and we begin to ask ourselves (or whoever will listen) "why me, why her, why this?" But not our Frances. She'll give you a diatribe on why you should be looking at the other side of the question, e.g., get on with a solution," "put your big-girl breeches on and stop feeling sorry for yourself." (I quote that not for you; it's just sooo Frances, and she lived by it.) I already miss her! My love, Gwen Oh, sweet Paige! Life can be tough enough at best. A few curve balls later and we begin to ask ourselves (or whoever will listen) "why me, why her, why this?" But not our Frances. She'll give you a diatribe on why you should be looking at the other side of the question, e.g., get on with a solution," "put your big-girl breeches on and stop feeling sorry for yourself." (I quote that not for you; it's just sooo Frances, and she lived by it.) I already miss her! My love, Gwen Oh, sweet Paige! Life can be tough enough at best. A few curve balls later and we begin to ask ourselves (or whoever will listen) "why me, why her, why this?" But not our Frances. She'll give you a diatribe on why you should be looking at the other side of the question, e.g., get on with a solution," "put your big-girl breeches on and stop feeling sorry for yourself." (I quote that not for you; it's just sooo Frances, and she lived by it.) I already miss her! My love, Gwen Oh, sweet Paige! Life can be tough enough at best. A few curve balls later and we begin to ask ourselves (or whoever will listen) "why me, why her, why this?" But not our Frances. She'll give you a diatribe on why you should be looking at the other side of the question, e.g., get on with a solution," "put your big-girl breeches on and stop feeling sorry for yourself." (I quote that not for you; it's just sooo Frances, and she lived by it.) I already miss her! My love, Gwen Oh, sweet Paige! Life can be tough enough at best. A few curve balls later and we begin to ask ourselves (or whoever will listen) "why me, why her, why this?" But not our Frances. She'll give you a diatribe on why you should be looking at the other side of the question, e.g., get on with a solution," "put your big-girl breeches on and stop feeling sorry for yourself." (I quote that not for you; it's just sooo Frances, and she lived by it.) I already miss her! My love, Gwen

GAYLE W. BOTLEY

It was an honor knowing my friend who never quit and always had an encouraging word for others. Frances expressed truth as she understood it and we never had to guess how she felt about anything.. What an extraordinary attitude she had about life and people. I love her and she will be missed here, but I know Heaven has gained another angel. Soar on my friend................

Paige Mann

So very kind of you, Gayle.

Linda K Bridges

Frances was the beautiful woman with the beautiful smile. A woman who was full of energy and happiness. I never saw her without a smile. She will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. What memories you must have of such a beautiful, gracious lady.

Nancy Gondron

I shall miss her in many way because she was a friend and neighbor y and always exuded strength, beauty,and confidence. . I admired not only her physical beauty but her charm, energy, and eagerness to do kind things for others. I am proud to have known her and called her my friend. She will be sorely missed

Kelly Friend

Paige and I met Iin Aggieland through Music. It remains our common vein to this day. Naturally as college students I met her parents and she met mine in 1984. To this very day we remain steadfast sisters. But this is not about our friendship but rather it is about Fran. I will be at her service and I will stand close to one of my touchstones. Peace love and happiness to all.

Clara Perino

Frances and I worked on same floor at GSU for several years and remained friends after retiring. She was always happy with smile on her face. Thoughts and prayers for the family

Lewis D. Hiltpold '72

For 47 years, I knew this lady. She was always a friend and one of us AGGIES! She was energetic and a joy to be around and, as others have said, always smiling. After my wife passed away, she and Henry were both caring and helped me through some tough times. I have spoken to her many times and expressed my genuine feelings for her friendship. She's a jewel and thoughts of her will always make me smile. Bless her and the family, GIG'EM

Patricia Bengston’

Dear ms Fran , I will miss you and that beautiful smile you always gave me when I came to clean for you and I always got that smile when I left too !!! I will celebrate your new life with God , it’s going to be such a glorious life of LOVE !! Prayers for all your family and God Be with you all.

Joyce Reynolds

Fran was a beautiful and smart lady. We will all miss her. Her past few years were tough but she handled every situation with grace and dignity. My deepest sympathy is extended to Paige, Darrin and the grandchildren. Cherish the memories.

Laurie Mitchell

My sister, Kaye, and I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for Frances. Fran and my mother were visiting their aunt and uncle in College Station. Fran was 12 or so and my mom was about 18. They were out in the pasture riding horses and Fran said “I want to introduce you to “my boyfriend.” That was my future dad, recently hone from WWII. He and his dad were out working in the shop. When the two young ladies rode up, my future Pop said about my mom, “well, she’s a regular young lady!” My dad then said, she may be young but she’s no lady”.” My mom told him that if she had a brick she would throw it at him. He tossed her half a brick which she threw back at him. And the rest was history. Thanks so much to Frances for making our family what it is today. You will be missed by many. Laurie, Gary, Ethan, Emily Michell and my mom Virginia Miller

Les and Pam Hiller

We will always remember Frances, she always had a kind word and a smile for all of us.

E. Ridley Briggs '54

My wife and I were at a Sul Ross Reunion on the A&M Campus almost 10 years ago and Frances and Charlie were there. In the ballroom of the Hilton, she walked up to me and said, "I'll bet you don't know who I am, do you?" I smiled and said, " You are Frances Simek and I last saw you at a party in College Station when I was in the 7th grade. I never forget you because you were the prettiest girl I had ever seen!" My wife and I looked forward to every succeeding Sul Ross Reunion just to see her beautiful, smiling face.

kay ptacek

Frances was a extraordinary woman. If you knew Frances you felt the love she had for you. She went to cake cutting class for a week so she could cut our wedding cake 60 years ago. She did a perfect job as only she could do. We have had a good laugh through the years about that time. We enjoyed watching our granddaughters play softball. So many memories. Don & I send our Prayers and Love to the family, She will be missed!

Cynthia Trahan Mudd

How do I say goodbye to one of the most influential people in my life? Francis was my first professional boss, my mentor, my friend. Thank you God for the life of Francis and the positive influence she had on so many lives and on the environment where she worked. But in all her professional glory, Francis told me many stories of her love and devotion to Paige and Darrin. They were first in her heart. God bless you Francis for your leadership, wisdom, love and friendship. We will all be together again one day.

Monique Stewart and JB Simek

Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories of Frances to forever hold in your heart. Love, Monique and JB

Karen and Eddie Collins

We have so many fond memories of Fran and almost all associated with Aggieland. Maybe the best was when we got to share the honor of her friend Charlie Weinbaum’’s induction as a Distinguished Former Student. It’s just another Corps trip, we’ll march in behind the band. Rest In Peace our dear Fran. And condolences to her many friends and especially our dear longtime friend Charlie Weinbaum.

Willie McConnell

I was a classmate of Frances at A&M Consolidated and although I have not seen her since our graduation in 1950, I still remember that smile, that cheer leader,. She was involved in everything at school. As I sit here looking through our Tigerland annual, I see the quote by her picture.. “ I would be a friend to all” and that seems to be exactly what she was. My condolence to her family.

Elizabeth Earle Blodgett

Rest in peace, Fran. She was very helpful to my family and a good friend to my cousin, Wanda Douglas. Fran will be missed!