Activity director Frank Dunbar decorated The Palace’s theater in Frances’ favorite color scheme of pink
and purple and the guest of honor was dressed to match and radiated her happiness with the attention
that was lavished on her for her special day.
A New York native having been born in Brooklyn, Frances migrated to South Florida in 1941 with her
husband and she spent her adult life in Miami. She was involved in the retail fashion industry as a buyer
and worked until she was nearly 80 years old. She and her husband witnessed many of the changes that
transpired in Miami through the decades.
Her daughter, Penny Spisak, shared that Frances came from a musical family and she and her siblings all
were taught to play musical instruments. While growing up, Frances learned to play the saxophone,
piano, organ and even bass fiddle. She played in an all-girl band in New York when she was just 15.
Her father, Louie, performed with the famed Ted Lewis’ Big Band Orchestra which was one of the most
popular bands in the 1920s as well as had his own band, the Eppy Louis Orchestra. Frances’ brother,
Sonny, played the bass fiddled in many symphonies. Frances’ nephews and grandnephews share the
family’s musical talents and currently perform in city symphony orchestras.
Frances had three children, Penny, Geoff who was a musician, and Cathy. Her son, Geoff, and daughter,
Cathy, predeceased her. Penny lives not far from The Palace Homestead in Cutler Bay with Ed, her
husband of almost 60 years. Frances also has a stepson, Harley. Frances’ family includes a clan of eight
grandchildren and nine great-grands.
The Palace Homestead was thrilled to make this momentous occasion special for Frances and everyone
who attended the celebration.
