Frances Steidel

Born on September 23, 1943 and brought up in Brooklyn and Farmingville, Long Island, NY, Fran was the daughter of Frank and Mary (née Abad) Rodriguez and the wife of Stephen Edward Steidel.

After graduation from Sachem High School and Adelphi University, Fran worked as an elementary school teacher in the Sachem school district before leaving to raise her family in Cutchogue, NY, on the North Fork of Long Island. There, she taught nursery school, and was an active member of the community.

Fran and Steve moved to New Bern, NC in 1990, and to Punta Gorda, FL in 2000. Fran was Steve’s devoted caregiver for the last years of his life as he suffered a rare neurological condition. They were married for 49 loving years.

Fran was a strong woman and a determined problem solver with an abundance of common sense. She was a great cook who could throw a few items in a pan and end up with a fantastic gourmet meal. She became a master basket-weaver after moving to NC and was so talented that she started instructing others at conventions throughout the US. She also excelled at bunka, a very-detailed Japanese embroidery that mimics oil paintings using silk threads.

It’s impossible to sum up her life in a few short words, but she was loved by many people (and dogs) and made life-long friends everywhere she went.

Fran is survived by daughters Debra Eve (Michael) Wall of Silver Spring, MD and Lee Steidel of New York City; a granddaughter, Lily Wall; a sister, Mary Fenoy; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and a large group of caring friends and extended family members.

A celebration of Fran’s life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice, or, a kindness passed on to someone in need.