Frances Elizabeth “Fran” Saliga-Smith
May 29, 1932 – January 11, 2023
WENDELL – Frances Elizabeth “Fran” Saliga-Smith, 90, passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2023. She was born in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, to the late Thomas Arthur Riley and Wilhelmina Kuipers Riley. She worked as a Proofreader for MIT Lincoln Laboratory. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of over 47 years, Robert Joseph Saliga; her husband of 8 years, Richard Smith; grandson, Gary Dean Clark and siblings, Joseph Riley, Pat McCorry and Agnes Singelais.
Fran was a loving mother and grandmother. She was always smiling, earning her the nickname, “Smiley Riley.” Those that knew her would even describe her as “sassy.” She loved to crochet afghan blankets customized for her children, grandchildren and many baby blankets for others. She was well read and enjoyed her adventure novels. But most of all, she loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her children, Daniel Robert Saliga (Mary Ann), Joannie Diane Clark, David Joseph Saliga (Joyce), Jeanne Elizabeth Capello (Richard) and Michelle Marie Bernier (Gilbert); siblings, Tom Riley (Jan), Paul Riley (Carol), Andy Riley (Jean), Steve Riley (Jayne), George Riley (Annalee) and Terry Miller (Ron); grandchildren, Elizabeth Stoughton (Sam), Becky Lensky (Ryan), Leah Labbe (John), Vanessa Wheeler (Jon), Jeremy Blaisdell (Steffi), Kim Hoamans (Bill), Justin Blaisdell (Sarah), Danielle Karrmann (Dave), Stephen Capello, Karen Komorowski (Kevin), Katie Miller (Ben), Adam Bernier (Pihla), Sam Bernier (Emily), Sarah Schieber (Eric), Philip Bernier (Katie), Joel Bernier (Pamela), Hannah Hodges (Erick), Dawn Bernier, Carolyn Bernier, Virginia Emo (Devon), Gilbert B. Bernier and Ellie Bernier; 30 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Memorial Service 3pm, Saturday, January 14, 2023, in the Chapel of Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third Street, Wendell, NC. Arrangments entrusted to Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory. www.stricklandfuneral.com
2 Comments
Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss. No one ever loves you like your mother. Pray for God’s peace and provision be with you.
So sorry for your loss. I had been calling her cellphone and leaving messages. Finally I Googled her and found the obituary. So many good times.
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