Mary "Fran" Dutschke

4/20/1957 - 1/21/2026

Mary “Fran” Dutschke collected nicknames the way some people collect souvenirs: generously and without much planning. Also known as Mammaw, Mer, Francine Shmancine, Momma Bean, and too many others to list, she built her life in Louisville, Kentucky, where she was born on April 20, 1957, and where she stubbornly rooted herself among family, friends, and the people who quickly became both.

She was the wildly loved mom of James Dutschke (Jessi Dutschke), Sarah Jackson (Marty Kehl), and Liz Dutschke (Aaron Howell), and the endlessly devoted Mammaw to her grandbabies and best friends: Paityn Kehl, Henry Dutschke, and Josie Dutschke.

From the time her kids were small, Mary quietly started building the right team around her to raise James, Sarah, and Liz. Some of that team welcomed her home on January 21, 2026: her parents, Jim and Sibyl Simon; her sisters, Martha Cecil and Teresa Cassidy; and her niece, Annie Cusack.

The rest of that circle continues to carry her love forward here on earth: her sisters, Rita Cusack (Steve Cusack) and Helen Tarter (Tom Tarter); her lifelong friend Kim Trusty who was a sister in every way but genetics; her niece, Rachael Chandler (David Chandler); and a scattered crowd of honorary family members who always knew exactly where to go for a laugh, a reality check, or a fiercely loyal ally.

Because of the community she built and the way she loved, Mary’s kids grew into reasonably decent human beings who love fiercely and show up for each other, just like she taught them to. She’d insist she couldn’t take the credit; she gave it all to ‘The Big G,’ her shorthand for God, and did her best to live a life that reflected that faith.

Mary worked for JCPS for more than 25 years, happily trading summers off for more time with her kids and, later, her grandkids. When she was promoted to Mammaw, that free time turned into long, quietly magical days with Paityn, Henry, and Josie. Most of that magic lived in “the back room” at her house - a simple living room that became their grand central station. That’s where she was happiest: piled onto the couch with them to watch wrestling and whatever game happened to be on, sitting at the dining room table for crafts, their favorite snacks within reach and meals simmering on the stove, or even watching them play video games, just to be near them.

On Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., we will host a celebration of life at The Wine Shop in New Albany, a warm neighborhood spot Mary loved. Because she hated anything stuffy or gloomy, we invite you to raise a glass in her honor (wine, mocktail, soda, or whatever you like) and toast to a life lived loudly, lovingly, and on her own terms.

All are welcome, including kids, and there will be non‑alcoholic beverages, snacks, and plenty of room to visit and tell stories. We hope friends will join us ready to laugh, share memories, and celebrate her in the joyful, slightly off‑beat way she lived.

In that spirit, we kindly ask guests to skip the all‑black funeral clothes and wear something that feels like Mary: colorful, comfortable, and ready for a “laugh‑until‑you‑cry” kind of day.

For those who prefer to honor Mary in a more traditional way, a Catholic funeral Mass will also be held in her memory at a later date. For specific details, please stay in touch with the family.