Frances Olechnowicz

Frances Pauline Golliday Olechnowicz passed away peacefully at the age of 93 surrounded by her loving son daughter-in-law and grandsons on January 17 2014. Frances was a life resident of Akron Ohio born on October 8 1920. Frances graduated from Central High School where she was fondly known as 'Funny' for her outgoing personality and love of life. She was a terrific dancer and won many jitterbug contests at the Lakes during WWII. She was pictured in the Akron Beacon Journal as champion jitterbugs at the Palace Theater contest. Frances met the love of her life Edward 'Edju' Olechnowicz whom she married on November 6 1943. She and Edju shared a beautiful life together for 52 years. The love they shared inspired many and the friendships they made endeared many to them old and young alike. Frances was nicknamed 'Frannie Babe' by her co-workers at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company where she was hired in 1941 to make barrage balloons. She was featured in the book 'Rosie the Rubber Worker' by Kathleen L. Endres. Fran's career at Goodyear spanned 43 years and she held jobs in production office and quality control. She was quite proud of her many accomplishments and great friendships made at Goodyear. Frances was a very active parishioner of the Visitation of Mary (Annunciation) Catholic Church. She was a charter member of St. Monica's Study Club past president of the Altar & Rosary Society member and former officer of the Polish American Club bingo volunteer and the St. Anne's Grandmothers Club. Frances worked at the Annunciation Soup Kitchen for 23 years her last five years as manager where she ordered the food prepared the food and served many people in Akron. Frances held a great love for St. Vincent / St. Mary High School and was a big supporter and fund raiser for the St. V/St. M Booster Club. Frances was the best mother to her beloved son Tom and daughter-in-law Dolores. She always said that Tom was her gift from heaven. She was the greatest grandmother to her three grandsons. She taught each of us by her example the value in giving and caring for others. Frances was preceded in death by her husband Edward and her parents John and Ruth Golliday. She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her family: son Thomas (Dolores); grandsons: Thomas Jr. Benjamin (Nicole) Nicholas (Renee); great grandchildren: Bryna Caleb Camryn Dominic Rowan Zach and Nora. She will be remembered affectionately by her extended family and dear friends. The family wishes to thank the doctors nurses and staff at Akron General Medical Center Chambrel and Akron General Hospice for their loving care. Calling hours will be held Monday January 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Hummel Funeral Home 500 E. Exchange Street Akron Ohio. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. January 21 at the Visitation of Mary (Annunciation) Catholic Church 88 Kent Street Akron Ohio. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent/St. Mary High School.