Frances Julia Woznicki's Obituary
Fran Woznicki, loving mother and friend to all
Fran was welcomed into heaven on Mother’s Day, which couldn’t have been more perfect, for being a mother to her children was truly her life’s greatest joy. The youngest of ten and losing her own mother at the age of five, 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, her very large family lived in a very small row home. 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 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 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’s; 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 the Cape Henlopen Senior 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 on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11:00 at St. Edmond Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach. Family and friends may visit at the church beginning at 10:0 am. Burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the Cape Henlopen Senior Center at https://capehenlopenseniorcenter.org or the Lewes Village Volunteers at https://villagevolunteer.org.
Please sign Fran’s Tribute wall at this site.
FLORIST NOTE- please deliver all floral arrangements to the Lewes Funeral Home Location by 3 PM Monday May 18, 2026.
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