Frances Foraker Neel

Frances Foraker Neel, of Delaware City, DE, passed away Friday, Nov. 14, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 89. She was a true lady who loved dancing, music and playing piano. Born in Wilmington on April 14, 1925, to Capt. Charles H. and Fannie M. Foraker, Frances was raised in New Castle. She graduated in 1943 from William Penn High School, where she played field hockey, served on Student Council and was on The Penn Quill yearbook staff. For years, she worked as a secretary for her father’s real estate company. Frances cherished memories of trips with her three children to visit her father in Fort Lauderdale. She loved having her children close and always welcomed their friends. Traveling was one of her favorite hobbies, and she took countless vacations to Florida and Tennessee with her husband of 40 years, Robert B. Neel. She liked shopping, going to the beach and visiting Rehoboth, where they spent a lot of time. In later years, she enjoyed painting and taking art classes with her friends at the Delaware City Senior Center. She was a wonderful, caring mother and grandmother who treasured time with her family. They loved her dearly and will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law Gertrude Foraker and a niece, Lynn Foraker. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Pamela B. Gray and husband Buddy of Bear, T. Wade Bendler and wife Vicki of Delaware City, Mark A. Bendler and wife Cindy also of Delaware City; grandchildren, Ashley Dawson and husband Keith, Andrea Krick and husband Craig, Mark Bendler Jr., Amanda Bendler, and Wade Bendler Jr.; and great-grandchildren, Jack and Sara Dawson, Aidan Bendler, Kylie Bendler, and Beau and Vance Krick. She also is survived by her brothers, Charles H. Foraker Jr., Jacob H.V. Foraker Sr. and wife Doris, Warner T. Foraker Sr. and wife Gail, a sister-in-law, Doris B. Jarrell, and several nieces and nephews. The family extends sincere thanks to Delaware Hospice and the staff of Kimberly’s Private Companion Service. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Delaware Hospice, attn. Development, 16 Polly Drummond Center, 2nd Floor, Newark, DE 19711.

Frances Foraker Neel

April 14, 1925 - November 14, 2014