She was born in Trenton, Nova Scotia, Sept. 18, 1917, the daughter of George and Hilda Smith Cavanaugh.
As a teenager she moved to Maine from Massachusetts and graduated from Biddeford High School.
Frances and her family were long-time residents of the Town of Old Orchard Beach.
Mrs. Smith was also a lifetime and oldest member of the E and I Union.
She attended the Goodwins Mills Methodist Church.
Frances’ main interest was as a member and grand matron for Annette Chapter #184 Order of the Eastern Star in Saco. She later was elected to hold the office of worthy grand matron for the State of Maine.
Her hobbies included needlecraft, reading and being a skillful seamstress.
She, her husband Gordon, and later her second husband Albert Gardella, wintered in Florida for over 20 years.
She is preceded in death by: her husband, Gordon Smith; second husband, Albert Gardella; and a daughter, Sandra Court.
Survivors include: a daughter, Dawna Dolloff of Waterboro; a son, Carl Smith of Port St. Lucie, Florida; five grandchildren, David, Darren, Kathleen, Shawn and Katie; four greatgrandchildren, Christopher, Logan, Breanne, and Lindsey; and a great-grandchild, Aliyah.
Friends and relatives may call at the Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main St., Saco, Sunday, Dec. 20, from 5-7 p.m.
An Eastern Star service will be held at 6:30 p.m.
A funeral service will be held Monday, 11 a.m., at the funeral home with burial to follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Rev. Debra Hanson of the Goodwins Mills United Methodist Church will officiate.
For those wishing to post condolences, please consider www.dcpate.com.
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