Francine Manilow, a trailblazing entrepreneur, devoted animal lover, and dazzling Chicago icon, passed away peacefully, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of creativity, generosity, and unstoppable energy.

Born and raised in Chicago, Francine was a true original — a woman who saw the world not just as it was, but as it could be. In 1980, she founded Manilow Suites and coined the term “corporate housing,” forever transforming the way traveling professionals experienced short-term stays. Her bold vision brought hotel-level luxury into high-rise apartments long before it became an industry trend. Every detail mattered to Francine; she infused her trademark white-glove service into every suite, delighting guests for four decades.
While working as a stewardess for United Airlines — a career she proudly held for nearly 40 years — Francine fearlessly built a real estate empire on her days off. Her mind was always alive with new ideas, and she was a tireless champion of women in business, breaking barriers and inspiring others to follow her lead.

Her ventures sparkled with originality. She launched creative businesses including Hospitality Services, Inc., which pioneered in-store food tastings; Piles & Files of Photos, a stock photo company; Tesoros Americanos, which introduced American-made products to Cancun; and Starburst Video, the first to rent DVDs in Warrenville, IL. Francine had a unique ability to spot innovations and opportunities— and she executed on them with fierce, unstoppable determination.

Yet Francine wasn’t just about business. She sang, she danced, she traveled the world with her inseparable best friend Candy Brown by her side. She rubbed elbows with celebrities and embraced every moment with fearless joy.

The minute she entered a room, it came alive. Her sparkling personality, infectious laugh, and magnetic warmth made her the life of every gathering. She loved people deeply and had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome and important.
A beloved mentor and fearless pioneer, Francine lived by her own words: “If you’re a true-blue entrepreneur, nothing stops you. You just press on with vigor and optimism.”

Even with her glamorous public life, Francine felt most at home with her beloved horses and goats. Her kind heart extended to every creature, and her compassion was boundless.

Francine is predeceased by her adored husband, Dr. Sheldon Manilow. She leaves behind countless friends, family, colleagues, mentees, and loyal guests who will forever remember her as a radiant soul and unstoppable force of nature.

In honor of her lifelong love for animals, memorial contributions may be made to A.D.O.P.T. or your favorite animal charity. Francine’s legacy lives on in the city she helped shape and in all who were lucky enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered.