Frances Frankel

Frances E. Frankel, 94, died peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2021 at Country Rest Home, Greenwood, where she had resided because she needed extensive care after suffering a major stroke in July, 2019.

A native Milfordian, she was a daughter and the youngest child of the late Elsie R. and Clarence W. Emory. She graduated from Milford High School in 1944 and married her beloved husband, the late Bernard Frankel, in 1946. She dedicated her life to creating and maintaining a nurturing home for her husband and their four children, and later their grandchildren.

As parents, they led by example to instill a strong work ethic, a respect for education, a love of reading and the outdoors, and a reverence for life in their children. Mrs. Frankel was a kind and generous woman, a renowned cook who loved to share a home-cooked meal and sweet treats with guests. She had a passion for playing bridge and connected to many local bridge clubs; she was always willing to substitute until the day of her stroke. She was also an active person who enjoyed a good walk,  seamstress, a quilter, a knitter and an avid birdwatcher. She was a lifelong member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Milford. Throughout her life, she cultivated a wide circle of friends, and she was a friend in return.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her parents; her three siblings, C. Windsor Emory, Mildred Savage, and William C. Emory and their spouses; and by her grandson, Daniel S. Guerke.

She is survived by her four children:  Gwen Guerke, Rebecca Willey, both of Milford; David Frankel (Yen), Houston, TX, and Debbie Bercik (Joe), Bay Village, OH.; grandchildren, Matthew Guerke, Wilmington, DE; Eli Willey, Lincoln, DE; Cole Willey, Georgetown, DE; Chris Frankel, Houston, TX; Andrew Singer-Sords (Daniel), Chagrin Falls, OH; Lizzie Sords, Cleveland, OH; and Molly Sords, Seattle, WA; great-grandsons, Mason, Christian, and Cameron Willey, and great-granddaughter, Frances Marie Willey, as well as a large extended family.

No funeral is planned at this time. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a service memorializing her life and legacy is planned for later in the spring.

The family is grateful for the exceptional comfort and care provided by Country Rest Home and requests memorial donations in lieu of flowers sent to them at 12046 Sunset Lane, Greenwood, DE 19950.