Frances Trebolis Major

Frances Trebolis Major, 88, of San Diego, California passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024.  Born in Minersville, Pennsylvania on March 12, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Margaret (Schalato) Trebolis.

Frances was born during The Great Depression, as the region started to become repressed, and as the coal-mines began to shut down her father worked for as an explosive engineer. Then strikes which incurred the fight for fair pay and workers protesting to establish worker unions. This prompted her father to leave the area to look for work to be able to support a few families to include his new family with his bride. 

Margaret also had another child whom she helped raise, a daughter Ruth S. Trebolis Snyder, who she had adopted prior to Frances's arrival.  Ruth was being raised initially by Margaret’s mother, who took ill and needed to be cared for, before her passing. Ruth became a permanent member of their family.

 As immigrants coming from Poland and having to flee their homeland because of religious persecution, with communism taking over their exiled government, and economic woes, Frances’ family wanted the very best for her as they did for Ruth.   The family was bonded, at a time where families were brought together during the worst of times and had riches in spirituality and love. They were devout Catholics as were many people amongst them with similar backgrounds.  Frances was baptized at only 2 days old as for their faith was strong. She also attended St. Stanislaus Kostka School and had completed with above satisfactory grades and continued her studies as she began her early high school years at Mont St. Michael’s Convent in Reading, PA to begin her novitiate within.

They are known as Missionary Sisters of the Bernardine Franciscan’s of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus MSC. They were “The Heart of God on Earth”, and the sisters cared for orphans, the sick, the elderly, and the extreme poor. They believed in higher education, and the service to God and Humanity. They were women who took the vows of silence and poverty through their obedience to God. They continued to feed and clothed anyone who was in need. They bonded together through their strengths and weaknesses to overcome life’s challenges.  These selfless women strived and continued on their mission to help people of all religions to teach and to be taught, God through the teaching of St.  Bernadine and the blessed Mary, mother of God.

As Frances continued her service work, through prayer and meditation, her spiritual journey led to the profession of her final vows, and ultimately receiving her certificate as a religion teacher.  Frances’ family moved from Minersville to Wilmington, DE.  Frances then attended her senior year of high school and graduated from St. Elizabeth’s High School, class of 1954.

Upon commencement, she began teaching religion in both the grammar and high schools .  Following her religious life, she was still very active with her love of God and humanitarianism. She continued her community outreach, helping people as she practiced humility throughout her life.  She treated others with pure unconditional love, and justice for all people. Fran furthered her education by attending the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, as well as LaSalle University in Philadelphia. She had other preoccupations of working within the community helping the women and children who came from other countries seeking refuge from war ridden places. She spent time with a fellowship with the members of the Unitarian Universalist in Rosetree, Media.  Frances’ employment included working at Wilmington Trust Company, WSFS Bank, The Philadelphia Stock Exchange, and the Franklin Mint.  In addition, she raised her children with many extra-curricular activities, attending school functions, BSA & GSA Scouts, and a multitude of clubs and organizations. Frances was constantly baking cupcakes for many different groups and the PTA. Frances took great care of many things in life, she especially loved tending her garden, growing everything from fruits and vegetables to her many favorite varieties of Roses, Lily of the Valley, Hydrangeas, Spring Bulbs, and Poppies, the National Flower of Poland.  Frances enjoyed spending time with her children and going on great adventures. She also enjoyed decorating, and loved the beauty and simplicity of her beach home in Maryland. She was also instrumental in running the family business, Silver Fryer Seafood, which included retail, wholesale and catering Services. Following years of owning successful businesses in Pennsylvania, she moved to Delaware to recreate her life and wasn’t quite sure of her journey. She sought different opportunities until she ultimately became the nanny for a wonderful family, Dr. Khaja & Dr. Vijaya Yezdani and their children who are now Dr. Mona & Dr. Samir Yezdani, who would eventually became an extended family of her own.  

Frances is survived by her children, H. Kennard Major IV, Steven Major, Cynthia Major and Lisa Wagner; her 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She is also survived by the entire Yezdani family.

Relatives and friends invited to join with the family of Frances T.  Major to share her Celebration of Life at St. Elizabeth’s Church, Cedar and Clayton Streets, Wilmington, DE on Wednesday, March 12 from 10:00 –1100 AM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, immediately followed by interment in All Saints Cemetery.  Frances always loved flowers, however donations in her memory may be made to St. Elizabeth’s Parish and/ or the Missionary Bernardine Franciscan Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus MSC in Reading, Pennsylvania. During the same time as Frances’ Celebration of Life and her actual birthday, this is the week that Sisters from around the world celebrate Sisters Week. Her Bernardine Franciscan Sisters have recently celebrated 130 years in November 2024.

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