Frances Smugala
Frances “Fran” C. Smugala, age 87, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026.
Born on August 19, 1939, in St. Louis, Fran was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and cousin. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 59 years, Eugene “Gene” Smugala; her parents, Caroline and Sebastian Gebel; and her brothers, Andrew ( Margaret) Gebel and David Gebel.
She is survived by her loving children: Sharon, Michael (Karen), Susan (the late Bill), and Brian (Shelley) as well as her grandchildren Kaitlyn (Craig), Zane (Ali), Kelsey (Jacob) and Blake (Paige). She is also survived by her great grandchildren Henry, Gideon, Evelyn, Harrison, Gavin and a baby boy due in February
Fran enjoyed socializing with her many friends including cousins and family while playing cards, bunco, dominoes and bingo. She also enjoyed traveling and going to the casino.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, located at 3014 Oregon Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Fran’s memory to St. Wenceslaus Parish.
One of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. Like a second mother to me. Rest peacefully Fran❤️
Fran and the entire Smugala clan – the greatest people you could ever meet. I am so sorry to hear of Fran’s passing but her wonderful “kids” carry on her legacy.
She wasn’t just a phenomenal Aunt; she was like a second Mother. I will always remember spending at least one week or more every Summer. I could hear here up very early washing clothes, hanging them on the clothes line, listening to the radio and the family’s bird chirping in it’s cage hanging from the ceiling in the Kitchen. She always took us on field trips. She was the first person to take me to the Muny in the free seats, to the planetarium, the zoo and the big public swimming pool. Every winter, she took us to Steinberg Ice Skating Rink in Forest Park. I can still remember you loading us 7 kids in your Station Wagon.
She was an incredible cook along with many other talents. I remember as you became older, having monthly lunches with Sharon, my Mom & me. Both my Mom & me looked very forward to those events.
Thanks for all the amazing memories. You were one-of-a-kind. You spread your love everywhere and never forgot my birthday. There’s so much more I could say, however, I am carrying all those memories in my heart & on my mind.
Love, Hugs, & Kisses,
Your Niece,
Karen Smugala