Frances Emanuel's Obituary
It is with great sadness that we share that Frances Emanuel has passed away on November 27, 2023, aged 78 years, following a valiant battle with ovarian cancer.
Fran was born on December 31, 1944 in Brooklyn, NY, to Ruth and Emanuel Schindler. She was closely followed in birth by her twin brother Matthew and was immediately doted upon endlessly by her older sister, Elaine. Fran grew up surrounded by a large extended family, enjoying Brighton Beach, singing in the Madison Jewish Center Choir and competing on her high school bowling team. She graduated from James Madison High School in 1962 and briefly attended Hunter College.
Fran met her future husband, Stuart, while both were working at the storied advertising agency Benton & Bowles. After a whirlwind courtship, the two married on February 14, 1965. The couple made the Bronx their first home and they soon welcomed their two daughters, Janis & Michelle, to complete their family. A move to Teaneck, in northern NJ, was followed by a move further south on the Jersey shore to Brick Township in 1976. During this time, Fran really blossomed into a community service volunteer extraordinaire, becoming a role model of selfless giving to those around her. She served for many years with the community service organization The Jaycee-ettes, holding the role of President for a portion of the time; was a very active member of the Temple Beth Or Sisterhood; she managed the cookie sales for her daughters’ Brownie and Girl Scout troops and was a long serving volunteer for Meal on Wheels, delivering hot food to seniors in the area. Her love of bowling continued, and she participated in many leagues over the years. Fran also took up race walking during this time and participated in races up and down the eastern seaboard, collecting medals for her speediness. Fran’s sharp mind and penchant for trivia helped her greatly on her appearance on the game show “JackPot!” where she won an all expenses paid trip to the Virgin Islands for her and Stu, as well as unbelievable amounts of Wyler’s lemonade and Carnation instant milk, much to the dismay of her daughters.
In 1977, Fran decided to go back to school and became a dental assistant. She had the good fortune to apply for an assistant’s job with a local periodontist, Dr. Stephen Spector, and this turned into many decades long friendships with the lovely people in Dr. Spector’s office. Fran eventually became the office manager for Dr. Spector and held this position until Fran and Stu decided to follow their daughter Michelle and her family down to Florida in 2009. The couple moved to Timber Pines in Spring Hill, where they enjoyed playing copious amounts of golf and the retirement lifestyle. Fran took up with the Sisterhood at Temple Beth David right away and became a cherished active member of the temple community. Additionally, Fran joined the Timber Pines Players and had the opportunity to sing and dance in multiple first class productions put on by the group, fulfilling her lifelong dream of performing on the stage. Fran and Stu also had the good fortune to take up traveling, taking countless trips and cruises to so many interesting places around the world.
Fran will also be remembered for her magnificent baking skills and her unwavering devotion to Stu, her dear husband of almost 59 years.
Fran was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Matthew and grandson, Nicholas. Fran leaves behind her husband, Stuart of Spring Hill, FL, her sister Elaine of Buffalo, NY, her daughters Janis (Kevin) Mencarelli of Thousand Oaks, CA and Michelle (Paul) Yeckley of Spring Hill, as well as her grandchildren Jason (Chrissy) Yeckley, Trevor Yeckley, Jenna Mencarelli and Haylee Mencarelli, as well as her great granddaughter Paige Yeckley.
Fran will be laid to rest in the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL on November 29, 2023. An Oneg Shabbat celebration at Temple Beth David will be announced at a later date. Fran’s family would like to profusely thank the nurses and staff at the Sturgill Hospice House in Brooksville for their exceptional angelic care of both Fran and her family at the end of her life. In lieu of flowers, the family would please like to ask Fran’s friends to consider a donation to the Hospice House in her name.
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