You can take the girl out of Kensington, but you can’t take the “Kenzo” outta the girl. Frani was an original badass born a month premature in the back of a taxi cab at the Tioga Marine Terminal. She was raised scrappy through her formative years in the cradle of liberty, Philadelphia. Frani was a tough broad, an unbeatable arm wrestler, and a true tomboy that all the kids knocked at the door for.

When Frani gave you her word, she kept it. She was trustworthy, dependable, and kind, but took no crap! She was unapologetically always herself. She held her faith dear and was a proud lifetime Catholic. After 78 years, the angels have waited for so long. Heaven was revealed, had lit her way, and her soul rose like incense to a place where there is no more death, neither sorrow, nor pain. Frances D. Schandel (nee Zusin) and all of these former things passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Frani graduated from the Kensington High School for Girls and made her career working for the IRS until her retirement. A true Philly girl, Frani loved herself some D’Allesandro’s cheesesteaks and real Manayunk tomato pie. At home, she enjoyed the Paul Newman classics and just sitting on her porch, playing games on her tablet with that Kools cig hangin' out of the corner of her mouth and a few Coors Light pony bottles nearby. Frani was affectionately known as sis around the neighborhood. She embraced and protected her family, including her extended Schandel family, nieces and nephews, with tenacity and heart. Family parties always brought out her sister-in-law, Blanche, dancing and the mummers' strut. The secret to happiness is family, good food, music, and not being in any rush to get anywhere. Just live simply, love generously, and care deeply. Leave the rest up to God.

Sis, Frani… This Kensington chick will be deeply missed by her daughter, Kim & her husband Scott Bancroft, to whom she was her protector, best friend, therapist, and just MOM. Frani was predeceased by her parents Eugene “Joe” & hid wife Frances (nee Pierece) Zusin, her late grandmother, Matilda Pierce, who always held a special place in her heart, as well as her brother George Zusin and nephew Bob Zusin. Frani leaves to cherish her memory, her sister Dee & her husband Paul “Buthch” Lenher, and her best friend Agnes Mills.

Give us just a little bit of time. We’re gonna get some D’allesandro’s, tomato pie, and Coors Light ponies. We'll celebrate Frani’s life at a later date.

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