Frances Foraker Neel - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Frances Foraker Neel

April 14, 1925 - November 14, 2014

Frances Foraker Neel, of Delaware City, DE, passed away Friday, Nov. 14, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 89.

She was a true lady who loved dancing, music and playing piano.

Born in Wilmington on April 14, 1925, to Capt. Charles H. and Fannie M. Foraker, Frances was raised in New Castle. She graduated in 1943 from William Penn High School, where she played field hockey, served on Student Council and was on The Penn Quill yearbook staff. For years, she worked as a secretary for her father’s real estate company.

Frances cherished memories of trips with her three children to visit her father in Fort Lauderdale. She loved having her children close and always welcomed their friends.

Traveling was one of her favorite hobbies, and she took countless vacations to Florida and Tennessee with her husband of 40 years, Robert B. Neel. She liked shopping, going to the beach and visiting Rehoboth, where they spent a lot of time. In later years, she enjoyed painting and taking art classes with her friends at the Delaware City Senior Center.

She was a wonderful, caring mother and grandmother who treasured time with her family. They loved her dearly and will miss her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law Gertrude Foraker and a niece, Lynn Foraker. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Pamela B. Gray and husband Buddy of Bear, T. Wade Bendler and wife Vicki of Delaware City, Mark A. Bendler and wife Cindy also of Delaware City; grandchildren, Ashley Dawson and husband Keith, Andrea Krick and husband Craig, Mark Bendler Jr., Amanda Bendler, and Wade Bendler Jr.; and great-grandchildren, Jack and Sara Dawson, Aidan Bendler, Kylie Bendler, and Beau and Vance Krick. She also is survived by her brothers, Charles H. Foraker Jr., Jacob H.V. Foraker Sr. and wife Doris, Warner T. Foraker Sr. and wife Gail, a sister-in-law, Doris B. Jarrell, and several nieces and nephews.

The family extends sincere thanks to Delaware Hospice and the staff of Kimberly’s Private Companion Service.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Delaware Hospice, attn. Development, 16 Polly Drummond Center, 2nd Floor, Newark, DE 19711.

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10 Condolences for Frances Foraker Neel

  • Frances was a very nice person and will be missed

  • She was very sweet and loving person, I have many fond memories of hanging out at her house playing with her kids. I always felt welcome !
    You will be missed by all of us !

  • You will be in Wayne and my prayers. The days ahead will be difficult but you can be comforted by knowing she is no longer in discomfort. She always had a smile. Enjoy your memories

    Wayne and Virginia

  • My Aunt Frances was a most beautiful lady in every way. Being the first niece to come along, I had the pleasure of having her all to myself for awhile. Before she was married, before she had her own children, she had me to dote on, and I loved her. Even though I grew up and she had her own family, Frances always made me feel special when I was with her. How she managed to do that, I will never understand, but it was a natural gift that she had. And I am sure she did this with all for whom she cared. Her smile and the sound of her laughter will never be forgotten. Although our hearts are broken that she is no longer with us, she is at peace. God Love Her!

  • Frances was one of the most wonderful persons I ever met. When ever I saw her she would ask how I am doing, how my family was doing and what my kids were up to. She was a genuine person through and through. Its a sad day for Delaware City……

    Rest in Peace Mrs. Neel, Condolences to Bobby and the rest of the Family……….

  • sorry about the loss, miss her with bob, kept him straight

  • Farewell to another of my high school mates.She always had a beautiful smile & a good word for everyone.
    Rest in peace Franny.

  • Sorry to hear of your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you all

  • My thoughts and prayers are with all of Frances family.
    She will be surely missed by many.
    A beautiful woman inside and out.

  • My deepest sympathies go out to Pam, Wade, Mark, Bob and their families on the recent loss of Aunt Frances. She was an amazing woman and loved by everyone. She will be greatly missed. Heaven must have needed another angel.

    Love,
    Patti