Frances Rae Ellinwood's Obituary
Frances Rae Ellinwood, 88, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away on September 27, 2025, in Gonzales, LA. She was born on November 1, 1936, and was the last surviving and youngest of the 10 children of Frederick Gordon Ellinwood, Jr. and Wanda Mrozinski Ellinwood. She was born and grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, and lived a very full, interesting, and active life.
From an early age, she began music lessons, which continued through her time at St. Petersburg High School and further at Florida State University. She sang and performed in many theatrical productions during her student years.
Frances had a career as a music teacher in public schools and taught students from elementary school through high school. She started teaching voice and musical theater at a high school in Kentucky well over 60 years ago. Her students in that first class thought so much of her that they continued to keep in contact with her even in recent years. She was a beloved and appreciated teacher to them and many other students and fellow teachers throughout her career.
Family was very important to Frances. She continually stayed close to her parents, siblings, and extended family members. Starting in her mid-teens, Frances studied and compiled information regarding her family’s genealogy. Her research took her on a multi-state journey in the United States, as well as to Europe. Lovingly known as “Aunt Fran” to her many nieces and nephews, she worked with them in the planning and hosting of annual family Christmas parties and other reunions. She also faithfully took care of her mother, a brother-in-law, and a sister in their later years until the end of their lives.
Fran was very knowledgeable about a wide range of subjects and was a great conversationalist. Based on her own experience in many areas of life, she had a lot of helpful, practical advice to give and was also very well spoken. She was warm and hospitable to guests in her home and encouraging to many. Humor was a part of her personality. Her laugh was contagious, and she had the resilience to laugh at herself and take life in stride.
The foundation of Fran’s life was Jesus Christ. She was a woman of faith, prayer, and musical service as she led church choirs over the years. Based on her clear testimony, we know that she is with her Lord and Savior today and that we of like faith have the hope and blessed assurance of spending eternity with her and our Lord Jesus.
“To be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Cor 5:8
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6
A Memorial Service has been scheduled to remember and celebrate the life of Frances R. Ellinwood on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The service will be hosted by:
First Presbyterian Church
1402 Manatee Ave. West
Bradenton, Florida.
Following the Memorial Service, a graveside committal is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at:
Woodlawn Memorial Gardens
101 58th Street South
St. Petersburg, FL 33707
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