Frances L Fernandez

Frances Louise Fernandez of Tampa died peacefully in her sleep, December 9, 2021 just shy of her 97th birthday. She was the daughter of immigrant parents who came to Tampa in the 1900s for a life in Ybor City’s growing cigar industry. Frances was a Hillsborough High School graduate where she met and married Manuel Fernandez. They started a small gift shop in Ybor City. In 1950, they moved to Palma Ceia and opened The Wonderland Shop, a children’s clothing and gift store on S. MacDill Avenue. Frances later opened The Frances Shop, a ladies ready to wear store on S. Dale Mabry. She expanded the store to include a bridal salon and uniform department for Catholic schools. Frances lived a full life and inspired many along the way. She was an exceptionally strong woman. In the face of adversity, she powered through and found a way to persevere, a true female entrepreneur. A second career as a swim instructor gave her the most joy, where she was affectionately known as “Ms. Francie”. One again, she blazed a trail by creating a work from home business before remote employment was even a concept. She taught so many young children the life-saving skills of swimming and water survival. Her swim school held a yearly “Swim-A-Thon” which raised thousands of dollars for the Jerry Lewis’ Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy. She was a devout Catholic and a devoted contributor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Frances’ views on politics as well as current events remained strong and vocal till her final days. She was happiest when surrounded by her large loving family. She is survived by her son, Clifford Fernandez (Caroldene); daughter, Debra Capell (Thomas); grandchildren, Penidene Snyder (Brett); Stephan Fernandez (Jovan); Mary Louise Whaley; Jolie Migliara (Lawrence); Amanda Wells (Ryan); Michael Long Jr. (Joi) Thomas Capell III; William Long and Christopher Long; 15 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.