Frances Smith Vinelli

Born on a farm in Boonville, Missouri, Fran was one of seven children born to Robna Rankin and Edwin Smith. At age nineteen she moved to Fairfax, Kansas where she built B-25 Mitchell bombers at North American Aviation. She was one of the last surviving “Rosie the Riveters” of World War II. Later she moved to Honduras where she married a banker, Paul Vinelli, had two daughters and five stepchildren. Fran’s passion was helping those in need. She founded the Women’s Auxiliary of the Honduran Red Cross, and Angelworks Foundation which built homes for hurricane victims and provided school supplies for children in Honduran villages. At age 88 she moved to Houston. She continued to have a vibrant life. For her 89th birthday she went skydiving, and for her 94th birthday she rode in a B-25 Mitchell bomber, 76 years after having built them. The pilot was so honored to fly a Rosie the Riveter that he asked her to sign the bomb bay doors. That plane with her signature, as well as a movie featuring Fran, can be seen at the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston. Fran’s favorite hobbies were horseback riding, singing, painting, and collecting orchids.

She is pre-deceased by her stepson Craig Vinelli (Carol) and survived by her daughters, Gigi Valera (José) and Pia Vinelli, and her stepchildren John Vinelli (Linda), Robert Vinelli (María José), Richard Vinelli, and Elizabeth Vinelli (José Luis).

The family will hold a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SEARCH Homeless Services of Houston.