Frances Harness Mankiewicz

With her devoted family at her side, Frances Harness Mankiewicz passed peacefully on Thursday, January 5. A longtime Naples resident, she was seventy-eight. Fran is survived by her loving husband, John Mankiewicz, her daughters, Laura Gongos and Jennifer Miller, her grandchildren, Will and Amanda Gongos, and her brothers, Edward and Robert Harness. It is difficult to speak about Fran unto herself because so much of her being was committed to lifting up everyone around her. She was her Dad’s little girl, her Mom’s joy. Big sister to her grubby brothers. Life partner and best friend to her husband. Guide and comforter to her daughters. Devoted champion of her grandkids. Comrade and confidant to friends. She was whatever we all needed her to be, setting herself aside in favor of those she loved.

Fran was accomplished in her own right. Born in Greenwood, Mississippi and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, she attended Indian Hill High School and Marietta College. She was at different times, co-owner and operator of a restaurant, an art gallery, and a museum-quality furniture workshop. Blessed with innate good taste, design sense, and knack for dealing with people, Fran was a natural businessperson. The household she managed was a favored gathering place for all. She provided tireless care and good cheer to her parents in their declining years. Always, Fran was about the others, giving everything of herself.

Funeral/memorial arrangements have not been finalized. In lieu of cards or flowers, the family gratefully requests that donations be made to PAWS.org or the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

God keep your eternal soul, Fran. We love you.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com for the Mankiewicz family.