Obituary of Frances Sperow Harding

Tribute to Frances Sperow Harding

May 28, 1930 - October 27, 2021

Frances Sperow Harding went to her heavenly reward on October 27.

Frances grew up in West Virginia was married to Joe and they had 5Children; Joseph Brunk (Patricia) Belvidere, NJ, Julia Spradlin (Scott)Chesterfield, MO, Mark Brunk (Anne) Olney, MD, Matthew Brunk(Monica) Jupiter, FL. and Anne Ruben of Pinellas Park, FL.  Robert Harding, Frances’ husband of 26 years and Jeff Ruben son-in-law both predeceased Frances. Frances has 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild arriving soon. In early 1962, Frances moved to St. Petersburg with her two younger children. She went to work for Walgreen’s Drug Store on Central Avenue and put herself through school to become an L.P.N.  Her first job was at St. Anthony’s Hospital where she worked while continuing her education at night to become an R.N.  She remained at St Anthony’s as a medical surgical nurse for three decades. Frances believed knowledge was power, a power no one could take from you. Frances loved her patients, their stories, and most of all the staff members she worked with at St Anthony’s Hospital. She told everyone “first a nurse always a nurse”. Even in retirement Frances made sure to always care for people who were in need.  Frances was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church and enjoyed and admired Pastor Gibson for the important work he was doing for the homeless. Frances was uplifted by the wonderful music she heard at the services.  Frances loved and supported the arts, especially the local symphony and the Museum of Art.  Frances and Robert also had a home at Eagles Nest in Waynesville, NC where they lived in summer months and supported many of the arts programs there as well. Frances supported the public library and was a lover of books, especially ones involving Eleanor Roosevelt and women in history who were important in the advancement of women. Frances loved her neighbors of fifty years the new ones and the older ones and the many whom have passed before her. They all knew her because she walked her best friend, Abigail (known as her sweet little angel girl), through the neighborhood 3-4 times a day. She always said hello and noticed any new garden additions. Frances loved flowers and at one time had over 200 orchids she tended in her yard and house. Frances was an avid sewing enthusiast. She did cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, quilting and mending.  She loved the beach and she loved the City of St. Petersburg, which became her home in 1962.

Although dementia claimed her mind, she still had passion and love in her heart and still said ‘God is Love”. Frances is one of the “silent generation” who showed empathy for many, made her community stronger, and passed on her passion for living a good and meaningful life to all those who loved her. We will hold her in our hearts. Please join the family in a celebration of Frances’s life November 12th at 11AM. The Reverend Pastor Gibson will be officiating at the service.

Service will be held at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home at the Tyrone Chapel 7820 38^th Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33710. Interment will be at Sunnyside Cemetery following the service at 1900 block of 54^th Avenue North in St. Petersburg, FL 33714.