Frances Julia Woznicki was welcomed into heaven Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026, which couldn’t have been more perfect, for being a mother to her children was truly her life’s greatest joy. The youngest of 10 and losing her own mother at the age of 5, Fran was completely enveloped by the love and protection of her brothers and sisters, especially her oldest sister, Mary. Fran’s childhood was built on the strongest foundation of unconditional love.

Born in Philadelphia, she lived in a very small row home with her very large family. She attended her parish grade school, where she met her best friend for life, Jackie, in the first grade. In 1955, Fran and Jackie graduated from Hallahan High School, and together they immediately followed Fran’s sister Agnes to Saint Joseph’s School of Nursing. In her young adulthood, Fran acquired the knowledge and skills to provide care and healing with a heart full of compassion.

In 1962, Fran married Bob, and they brought David and Susan into the world. Fran raised her children to share her faith in God, Mother Mary, Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Fran believed it was her faith that kept her and her family safe and well through all of the challenges life can rain down upon us and those we love, including divorce.

Now facing the demands of being a single mother and sole provider for her family, Fran became the nurse manager of Nazareth Hospital’s Med/Surg floor. When David and Susan graduated from high school, she downshifted to a role in Wound Care and went back to school to complete her bachelor’s degree. While pursuing her degree, Fran met the true love of her life, Ray Woznicki, and they married and traveled extensively. Unfortunately, their happiness was cut short by Ray’s early passing, but Ray helped to clear a path for Fran to one day move to the beach. In 2014, Fran moved into a new home across the street from David and his husband James.

Fran’s golden years have overflowed with love and joy from so many very dear friends. Thank you, Christine, Fran’s faithful friend from St. Edmond; you always made sure Fran made it to church on Sunday. Thank you, Shirley, Fran’s bus trip partner, trip roommate, and awesome adventure guide; you always made sure you were prepared for anything. Thank you, Toni, Fran’s bingo, Wii bowling, and Possum Point Players partner; you and Cape Henlopen Senior Activity Center made Fran’s last chapter the most fun. And thank you, everyone else, too many to list, including all of the Village Volunteers who helped Fran stay active and independent, which was so very important to Fran and her family.

Fran is survived by her son, David Szumski and his husband James Carfagno, who send so much love and heartfelt gratitude to all of their colleagues at Beebe Healthcare. Thank you for taking such very good care of Mom! Fran is also survived by many nieces and nephews in the Philadelphia area. Unfortunately, David’s sister, Susan, passed away in 2021 after a very long and difficult battle with COVID.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 19, at St. Edmond Catholic Church, Rehoboth Beach. Family and friends may visit at the church beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to Cape Henlopen Senior Activity Center, capehenlopenseniorcenter.org; or Village Volunteers, villagevolunteer.org.

Visit Fran’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com to leave messages of condolence.