Obituary of Nancy A. Frankila

Frankila, Nancy A. of Saginaw Township

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully on Friday, December 2, 2022, at HealthSource of Saginaw. She was 84 years old. Nancy was born on February 26, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of the late Roger and Ethel (Taylor) O’Connor. Nancy graduated from Immaculata High School and then earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit and later earned her master’s degree. In college she met the love of her life, John Frankila, and they were married on August 24, 1963.  John and Nancy shared a beautiful love for almost 55 wonderful years together.

Nancy and John raised their children in the Detroit Metropolitan area and Jackson. They enjoyed vacationing in Cheboygan, later retiring there before moving to Saginaw. Nancy was a dedicated, compassionate, respected teacher for over 40 years. For most of her career she taught first grade. She was devoted to her students. She had a love of books and reading. Nancy was a truly faithful Catholic. She was a positive influence on everyone. She and her husband John were actively involved in their children’s and grandchildren’s school activities. They were very proud grandparents. Nancy enjoyed spending time with their family and friends, especially their grandchildren. Nancy will forever be remembered for her laughter. Her ability to use humor to persevere through difficulties was inspiring.  Nancy was fun and kind.  She loved unconditionally and was always thinking about others. She will be missed dearly.

Surviving are one son and three daughters: Roger Frankila of Clarkston, Joan (John) Coopes of Kalamazoo, Helen (Chris) Goertler of Vicksburg and Laura (Mike) Fiore of Saginaw Township; and 12 grandchildren: Ashleigh Roberts and fiancé Chris Cinalli, Morggan (Darren) Duffiney, Alex Frankila, Rachel Coopes, Ben (Macy) Coopes, Carrie Coopes, Brad Goertler, Mark Goertler, Lauren Goertler, Michael Fiore, Anthony Fiore and David Fiore; two great-grandchildren: Meadow Duffiney and Mila Coopes; and sister: Patricia Wilson.

Nancy was preceded in death by husband John W. Frankila and daughter-in-law, Lynndy Frankila.

FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1035 N. River Rd. Saginaw, MI  48609. Rev. Fr. Peter J. Gaspeny to officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery.

VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Friday, December 9, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Additionally, visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Liturgy.

MEMORIALS: Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association which was helpful when Nancy was a caregiver. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.