Frances Patricia Richardson, 80, of The Woodlands, Texas and formerly of Venice, Florida died September 3, 2025, at Memorial Hermann the Woodlands Medical Center, Woodlands, Texas after a brief illness.

Frances was born on March 17, 1945, in New York, New York to Daniel John Bonacci and Rafella (Giamondi) Bonacci.  Fran began studying art as a teenager under renowned watercolor artist Frederic Whitaker in Connecticut, and watercolor artwork became her passion for the rest of her life. She was an award-winning water colorist, and active in many art groups wherever she lived throughout her life which included Long Island, Liverpool and Syracuse, NY; Raleigh, NC; Seguin, TX; Lake Suzy, FL.  Fran was most notably a dedicated member and Treasurer with the Women’s Contemporary Art Group of Sarasota, FL for many years. In addition to her love of art, she also enjoyed gardening immensely and not only had incredibly green thumb, but she also had an incredible memory – she even knew all the Latin names for most plants.

After high school in CT, Fran went onto secretarial school in NYC where she graduated at the top of her class and was recruited by IBM to be the Executive Secretary for the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of IBM in the mid-1960’s. Shortly thereafter she met and fell in love with Don Richardson, a bright young electrical engineer. They married in 1968 and had a bond like none other. In addition, to being an award winning watercolorist, Fran became a semi-pro bowler while living in NY, and at one point managed a bowling facility. Fran and Don enjoyed many good years with their beloved beagles through the years but had to face grave health challenges together, namely Fran’s breast cancer and Don’s Multiple Sclerosis. Fran became Don’s primary caregiver during Don’s battle with MS and showed incredible fortitude and strength during that unbelievably challenging period. Fran will be remembered most for her devoted love of her family, friends and puppies more than anything. In fact, she would always tell us, “I love you with all my heart.”  We love you too, Aunt Fran, with all of our hearts, and will miss you so very much.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband Donald E. Richardson who died in 2008. Survived by Brother-in-law David Richardson (Katie) of St. Charles, IL, niece Charma Dudley of Chicago, IL, niece Bethany Dudley of Chicago, IL,  niece Michele (“Shelly”) Bonacci Power of The Woodlands, TX, nephew Don Bonacci, Jr. (Kelli) of New Braunfels, TX, great- niece Melanie Power Mayor (Matthew), great-nephews Nico Bonacci, Danny Bonacci, Michael Bonacci, and Trenton Leffingwell (Reese), and great-great nieces Elizabeth Leffingwell and Margo Mayor. Last but definitely not least, Katherine (“Kit”) Lee, Fran’s childhood best friend for life who was truly like the sister she never had. The family would also like to thank Teri Hall and Karla Bauer of Family Tree Private Care for their unparalleled compassionate assistance and professionalism over the past year as Shelly’s back-up. You two are simply the best.

Private entombment was held Friday, September 12, 2025, at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, Port Charlotte, Florida with a chapel service being planned TBD for the first week of March, 2026 at Restlawn.

A scholarship fund is being established in Fran and Don’s honor with the NC State Veterinary School. Additional information will be linked here when available.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte, Florida.