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BORN

1943

DIED

2025

FRANCES POLACEK Obituary

In Loving Memory of
FRANCES GROSS POLACEK
February 2, 1943 -June 27, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of
Frances Gross Polacek on June 27, 2025 at 82 years old. Frances
was born and raised in Staten Island, New York and moved to
Edgewater, Florida in 1971.
Frances was preceded in death by her beloved husband
Andy, parents Joseph and Adelaide Ackerson, sister Roberta
Curran and brother Joseph Ackerson. She leaves behind her beloved dog Buddy,
her loving children Larry Gross #1 Son and
girlfriend Angie Coleman, Lisa and Larry Henson #1 son in law,
her cherished nieces and nephews Cyndi and Sean O'Grady,
Robert Curran, Heidi, Patricia, Ricky and Joey Ackerson. She
was also the proud great-aunt to Colleen and Cody Girvan,
Gabi and Travis Mountain, Megan Curran and Justin Reid,
Michael and Hailey Curran, and Brad Murphey. She adored her
seven great-great grandchildren James, Madison, Sheila, Sally,
Patrick, Rosie, and brand new Baby Dean. Fran was also known
as Nanny Franny to all the neighborhood kids who adored her.

Fran was known for her kind spirit and her ability to light
up every room she entered. She dedicated over 40 years of her
life working at Bealls department store, where she formed lifelong friendships,
made countless memories and left a legacy of kindness.
When she wasn't working, you could find her cruising on
the Victory or traveling to Biloxi and Atlantic City, keeping the
slot machines warm and enjoying the thrill of the game. But
above all, her greatest joys came from spending time with her
family, who meant the world to her. Fran celebrated her 80th
birthday with her family and close friends on the Margaritaville
at Sea making memories forever cherished. She loved spending
Christmas at her daughter Lisa's house and watching the gang
sing "Christmas with the Family" at the end of the night. She
loved spending blizzard nights at Dairy Queen with her son,
Larry and she always looked forward to his daily evening phone
calls with the opening line of, "Are you watching the race"? She
kept her loving niece Colleen busy with her shoe returns in the
constant search for the perfect size 13 shoe. There was never a
dull moment in Fran's life.

She will be remembered for her unwavering love, her warm
heart, and her fun-loving spirit. Frances Gross Polacek touched
the lives of everyone she met, her legacy of love and laughter
will live on in all who knew her.

A mass to celebrate her life will start at Our Lady Star of the
Sea 4000 S Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 on
Monday, July7th at 10:00am and to follow at Lost Lagoon Wings & Grill.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
A mass to celebrate her life will start at Our Lady Star of the Sea

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Home Town News Volusia from Jul. 1 to Jul. 7, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for FRANCES POLACEK

Not sure what to say?





Bryan and Judy Evans

July 7, 2025

When you met Fran you met a friend for life! I had so much fun when Fran, Lisa and I went to Texas to work the Lone Star Rally together and as hard as we worked Fran always had a smile! Whenever I visited Lisa I always looked forward to seeing Fran knowing we would hug and have a few laughs. I loved her and her loss will be felt by all who knew her for a long time to come. They say the good die young and we all know Fran was most definitely one of the very best! My husband and I send our deepest condolences with much love and prayers for her lovely family and many friends. May you Rest in Peace beautiful lady.

Single Memorial Tree

Julie and John Miller

Planted Trees

Louis Iacoviello

July 7, 2025

One of the first people we met when we moved to Florida was Fran. Her and my mother hit it off right away, two fellow New Yorkers living in Edgewater, and Larry and Lisa treated me like a younger brother. Larry would take me to BMX races, and Lisa would take me to concerts. What I loved most about Fran was her smile and laugh. Her energy was infectious. Rest well Fran. You will be sorely missed

Single Memorial Tree

Louis Iacoviello

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Cheryl Chisolm Booth

July 3, 2025

Fran was not only a coworker but a dear friend. She indeed was ready for fun and a happy lady. I will miss her dearly as we had just begun to reconnect with other co-workers having lots of time reminiscing. To the family, my sincerest condolences. Many prayers and lots of love,

Love Nancy.

July 3, 2025

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Carol Golas

July 2, 2025

Fran was my going out for lunch. Buddy and I going shopping in antique stores friend. We talked on the phone about once a week and got together every two weeks or so and we always had a wonderful time. She loved her family so very much, and all the children in the family and in the neighborhood, also loved her. She had a wonderful kind heart she will be missed so very much. Rest in peace Fran

George Cameron

July 2, 2025

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Pattie Peterson

July 2, 2025

I first met Fran at the bank we both worked at formally known as First Federal Savings and Loan Association of New Smyrna Beach. (Regions Bank)
She was always a joy, lots of laughter. My office is right behind her desk. Her laugh was contagious! She adored little ones my son at the time was very young and she used to say jokingly. Oh, this is my new grandson! Then I used to go bug her when she worked at Bealls. She will certainly be missed. She talked about her children, Larry and Lisa all of the time. And always with a smile on her face.

Mark & Renee Sortman

July 2, 2025

When I think of Fran, I will always remember her smile. Momma Fran always had a smile on her face in all the years I have known her. Hugs to Lisa, Larry and family.

Kandy Hummel

July 2, 2025

My love and prayers for peace and comfort to Lisa, Larry, and all Fran's family and friends. Miss Fran, we know you're celebrating in Heaven with your friends and family who went on before you, but we will never stop missing you, until we meet again. I can imagine you catching up with my mom and Miss Annette, and all of you watching over us. You treated Robin and myself like your own children, and I am forever grateful for having known you. Much love, Kandy.

Barbara Ellis

July 2, 2025

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Fran and I worked together for over 35 years I retired and she stayed on she will be missed dearly by all who knew her all her friends from Bealls and all of the people and customers that she always knew and knew by name may she rest in peace

Pam Polacek

July 2, 2025

We are very sorry for your loss. Fran was a wonderful addition to the Polacek family. We always enjoyed our visits with her and Uncle Andy.

Shirley Polacek and Family

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in FRANCES POLACEK's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for FRANCES POLACEK

Jul

7

Celebration of Life

10:00 a.m.

Our Lady Star of the Sea

4000 S Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL

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