Frances Gierlaszynski

Frances Gierlaszynski, 86 of St.Ignace and Clearwater Beach, Florida passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, July 24 at the home of her daughter, Pam on West US 2 , St.Ignace. Fran was born in Detroit on March 10,1926 to Adam and Mary Butka. She graduated from high school and married Stanley Gierlaszynski on February 19,1949 in Detroit. In the late 1950\'s recognizing the touriism potential in the UP after the completion of the Mackinac Bridge they purchased property in St.Ignace and built the Tradewinds Motel on N. State Street. Fran managed the day to day operation for 14 years from May to October while raising her growing family. Her husband Stan continued to operate his mason contracting business in Detroit and spent weekends in St.Ignace. In 1974 they sold the Tradewinds and bought the "TugBoat", a St.Ignace Historiical icon. With more leasure time, she took up golfing, gardening,mushroom picking, traveling and boating the Great Lakes. They soon became bored, and in 1976 purchased the Bell Isle Inn, on State Street in St.Ignace, and thriving summer restaurant and continued to make this business grow. Fran spent many long hours managing and ensuring quality food and service. They soon changed the name to the "Galley" and never looked back. Not only did people come for great food but for the friendship and to see Fran. Fran always had a great smile and a laugh along with grerat family food. The restaurant is still in the family with son, Stanley Jr. operating this longtime summer place of business in downtown St.Ignace.The family also owns theAdmirals Table in Mackinaw City which daughter Pam operates. Retirement years were quiet but enjoyable. Fran and Stan spent time in St.Ignace and winters in Clearwater Beach, Florida. with her daugher Pam always close at hand to assist with their needs. In her later years she enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and watching old game shows. Those who remember Fran will always remember her smile, her laugh, love of mushrooms, generosity and her martini\'s. She is survived by her family, Ann Jones; Pam Girelaszynski; Denise Whitta; Stanley Gierlaszynski Jr.;; and Susan Patterson; 7 grandcildren and 4 great grandchildren, Her husband Stan died in 2010 as did her grandson Cory Gustafson. also in 2010. She also was preceeded in death by her sisters, Verna, Lottie, Mary, Natalie amd Lillian. At her request, n o services will be held at this time. Her cremains will be buried in Gros Cap Cemetery later. along with her husband and grandson. Dodson Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Tributes

Frances Gierlaszynski

July 24, 2012