Frances MacMinn, 104

April 18, 2016

Frances MacMinn, age 104, of Luther Acres, Lititz, PA, died April 18, 2016 after a brief illness. Born in 1912 in Uehling, Nebraska, Frances was the widow of Paul MacMinn. She was the daughter of Fred Henry Steckelberg and Grace Davis Smith Steckelberg.

Fran graduated from the Vogue School of Fine Arts in Chicago and then worked for the Singer Sewing Machine Company. She had an incredible talent for clothing design and could view and sketch a dress exhibited in a department store window and then go home and sew it for herself.

An excellent seamstress, she thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of creating and making all her own clothing as well as items for her children and grandchildren. Her talents were not limited to sewing as she tried her hand at knitting, painting, pottery, reupholstery and furniture refinishing over the years. Her most recent efforts at doll making resulted in several striking examples of her creativity.

She was also an excellent cook and enjoyed trying new recipes. Even in later years, as her eyesight failed her, she enjoyed watching the cooking shows on TV to see what was new. She never lost her curiosity and enthusiasm for life and trying new things.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two brothers, Jerome and Lowell Steckelberg. Surviving are her son, Robert and his wife Pat of Naples, FL, and her daughter Ann Ford of Richmond, VA. Grandchildren include Debra MacMinn Graves of VA, and Linda MacMinn of FL. Also, Michael Ford of NC, Erik Ford of VA, and Jessica Ford McNeace of HI. Great grandchildren include Madeline, Kyle and Claire Graves, Matthew Ford, and Emma McNeace.

Friends and family are invited to attend the Memorial Service on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 1PM at the Chapel of the Good Samaritan at Luther Acres, 400 St. Luke Drive, Lititz, PA. Her family will receive friends following the service in the Community Room. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Fran’s memory to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.