Frances Evelyn Springman, nee Pedone, lived a full and vibrant life, leaving us peacefully on August 24, 2026. She was born on September 21, 1932, to Onofrio and Frances Pedone in Alton, Illinois.
Better known as “Fritzi,” a nickname given to her by her husband, she loved to travel, spend time with her children and grandchildren, and stay active in her neighborhood Christian Hill Historic District. She loved gardening, birdwatching, and her daily walks in Riverview Park. From a young age, she was known as being vibrant and adventurous.
She was an avid swimmer and waterskier, once saving her girlfriend’s life in a river boating accident. She graduated from Marquette High School, Class of 1950, and always helped organize the class reunions. Graduating from St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing in Cincinnati, Ohio as a registered nurse, she worked many years at St. Joseph Hospital and St. Anthony Hospital. She later went on to St. Louis University to further her registered nursing degree. Her passion for volunteerism as a Girl Scout leader and for raising funds for Ss. Peter & Paul School through the “February Frolics” singing and dancing brought so much joy to her.
Fritzi married the love of her life, Joseph J. Springman, Jr. on October 4, 1958, which is the Feast Day of St. Francis. She and JoeBoy, as everyone called him, had more fun in Dance Club, never missed a St. Louis Cardinals football game and cheered on the Cubs, yes, the Cubs! Independence, resilience, big-heartedness, and fun-loving nature would define her life.
Frances is preceded in death by her husband, Joe, and her sister, Louise.
She is survived by her loving children, Julianna Marie Lind (husband, Ronald), Joseph James Springman III, Elizabeth Frances Alford, and Edward James Springman (Lisa Lewis). Known lovingly as “Nana Fritzi” by her grandchildren, she was a devoted and proud grandmother to Jeffrey, Christopher, Lauren, Stephen, and Katherine. She shared a special bond with each of them. These grandchildren graced her with eight great-grandchildren.
A visitation at Gent’s Funeral Home will be held on Thursday, August 27, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church on Friday, August 28, at 10:00 a.m. Following the funeral Mass, there will be a funeral cortege to Frances’ final resting place and interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
Additional information and online guestbook are available at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
