Mary Darlene Frazo

—Born September 23, 1949, Bloomington Hospital

—Passed April 14, 2026, IUH RAHC

—Parents: H. Franklin & D. Helen Richardson (both deceased)

—Sibling: Gary F. Richardson, twin brother (deceased)

—Spouse: Ernest (Ernie) Frazo, Married August 14, 1971 Little Union Baptist Church

—Son: Stephen B. Frazo

—Graduated from Unionville HIgh School, 1967; Indiana University, 1971, BS Nursing

—Worked at Bloomington Hospital, 31 years

Coryell Memorial Hospital, Gatesville, TX 2 years

US Army medical clinic, Illesheim, West Germany, 4 months

—Active in Little Union Baptist Church as pianist and member of the American Baptist Women

—Preceded in death by her parents, twin brother Gary, and grandson Matthew S. Frazo

—Survived by husband, Ernie; son Stephen (Jennifer Nealy); grandchildren Parker, Hudson, and

Sophia Frazo; sisters-in-law Carolyn Merry and Janna Richardson Rydell; nieces Christina

Thick and Jackie Fulton; nephew Nicholas (Chrissy) Richardson; aunt M. Colleen Perry; uncle

Larry (Brenda) Norman; great-nieces Kylie Fulton, Ivy and Zya Thick, and Isabella Richardson; and

great-nephew Garrick Richardson.

Obituary of Mary Darlene (Richardson) Frazo (the rest of the story!)

The foregoing are the dry, sterile facts about a person; facts that don’t even come close to fully

describing the woman who was loved and respected by her family and others. She cared deeply about

her family, friends, co-workers, and patients, putting their needs above her own. Despite enduring the

cruel limitations imposed by multiple sclerosis, robbing her of the ability to walk, Mary continued her

family, church and work lives. Being with family at every opportunity filled her with joy. She amassed

a trove of T-shirts during her travels, including those from high school band and sports in which her

grandchildren participated. Additionally, she had an impressive collection of destination T-shirts

from her road trips to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Charleston, the Outer Banks, St. Augustine, and

Daytona Beach. Earlier, she had trekked through the Bavarian Alps, Dutch tulip country, and

countless castles in Germany, along with a trip to Vienna, Austria. While in Germany, she became

enamored with the fine crystalware found in many shops and factory outlets. She also mastered the

piano at a young age and became her father’s accompanist as he sang in many churches across

Indiana. Her repertoire of memorized music and her uncanny ability to change keys amazed all who

experienced her gifts at the keyboard.

As a mother, she was fully engaged with her son’s school activities, particularly marching and

symphonic band competitions. She served as a chaperone on many of those band trips, including

those to Toronto, Canada, and stateside destinations Her calm demeanor and soothing words helped

calm many a nervous musician to remain focused, earning their respect and admiration. Mary

thoroughly enjoyed being with these young men and women, encouraging them at every step.

As a wife, she exemplified the woman of Proverbs 31, especially verses, 10-11, 20, and 25-31. Her faith

and character carried her through many challenging moments, remaining steadfast through those

times. Always a tower of strength and love, Mary was truly a woman of inestimable worth.

Mary lived her Christian faith every day through her words and deeds, sharing her gifts of music and

compassion. Her absence leaves an enormous hole in our hearts, but we celebrate her life as one of

faith, love, and service to all she encountered. We honor and cherish our memories of Mary. We thank

God for His giving us the blessing of Mary being a part of our lives.

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It is requested that no flowers be sent; rather, you are encouraged to donate to the charity of

your choice, Gideons International, or the LUBC American Baptist Women

Viewing and Funeral Service: Little Union Baptist Church, 5511 North Brummetts Creek Road,

Bloomington, Indiana 47408

Viewing Times: Ten a.m. to one p.m.

Service Time: One p.m.; officiant: Grant Quimby

Burial in Little Union Baptist Church Cemetery