Frances Regina Pitera, 81, of Tampa, Florida, passed away due to respiratory failure on January 2, 2026. Born on September 26, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, Frances was the daughter of John Walker Mannix and Frances Marie Lawrence, and the youngest of six children. She was preceded in death by her siblings Marilynn Cerullo and Gerard Mannix, as well as her nephew John Habib and Paul Ewh.

Frances was the devoted mother of Richard Pitera Jr. (Lynette) of Montclair, NJ, Gregory Pitera (Ramona) of East Rutherford, NJ, and Danielle Jensen (Troy) of Tampa, FL. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Danielle Pitera, Jonathan Higgins, Morgan Higgins, Lindsey Jensen, Tyler Jensen, Madeline Pitera, Trip Pitera, and Eleanor Pitera. She is survived by her siblings John Mannix, Her sister Elaine Habib, and Joe Mannix. She is also survived by many extended family members and friends who loved her deeply, including her nieces and nephews: Raymond, Tom, Cathy, Grace, Annalise, John, Elaine, Patricia, Priscilla, Debby, Jerry, Tara, Merilynn and Robert.

Frances earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Ramapo State College and later achieved her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Columbia University. She dedicated many years of her professional life to caring for others as a nurse at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, where she worked as both a psychiatric and post-partum nurse.

Frances was a fiercely devoted mother and grandmother, known and admired for her intelligence, beauty, resilience, generosity, and deep love for animals—especially dogs. She leaves behind her beloved dog Dilly. She delighted in simple pleasures like chocolate, learning, laughter, and time with loved ones. Her strength, curiosity, and independence left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

A celebration of Frances's life will be held this summer in New Jersey. Details will be shared at a later date.

Frances had strong opinions about flowers and preferred that kindness be shared with the living—especially animals in need. In lieu of flowers , donations in her memory may be made to your local animal shelter.