Frances R. Smith

Appreciative of beauty, literature, and the arts, and passionately devoted to her family, Frances Rosemond Smith died peacefully in Miami on October 16, 2018. The daughter of Joseph and Ruby Cohen, Frances was born on August 19, 1922, in Charleston, South Carolina. She moved with her family to Miami in 1925 and subsequently graduated from Miami Senior High and the University of Miami. A happy early life was followed by a purposeful and enchanted lifetime journey when she met Emanuel J. Smith, a dashing Marine captain recently returned from the frontlines of Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal. Their marriage of 67 years was marked by steadfast love and fascination with one another that lasted until his death in 2014. Their life together was enriched by their five children, a close-knit group of dynamic friends and relatives, travel, a commitment to Judaism, and involvement in progressive causes. In raising their children, Frances was the iron fist in the velvet glove, pushing for excellence and achievement, while Manny was the source of wise and nurturing counsel. They were an exceptional parenting team. Frances enjoyed a full rich life with no regrets. She is survived by her children Francine, Allen, Ellen, Amy, and Nancy; her grandchildren Molly and Rubyann; her brother William Cohen; and her son-in-law Chip Rizotto. The family wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the caring staff at Bay Oaks Historic Retirement Home and the compassionate caregivers of Vitas Hospice. A celebration of Frances’s life will take place on Thursday, October 18 at 11:30 A.M. at Beth David Chapel, 2625 SW 3rd Ave. Donations may be made in her honor to Beth David Congregation.