Frances Eleanor Pilarski
Ocean Pines

Frances Eleanor Pilarski, age 83, a loving wife, mother, grandmother (babcia), and great-grandmother, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at her home in Ocean Pines.

Born on August 25, 1941, in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late Frank Cline and Kathryn Elizabeth (Harper) Cline.

Frances was born in Baltimore city and mostly grew up on the east side. She attended St. Katherine of Sienna School for elementary and middle school and later graduated from The Catholic High School of Baltimore, where her passion for learning began to flourish. Frances went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from Alvernia College in Reading, Pennsylvania. Years later, she earned a master’s degree in education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction, furthering her lifelong commitment to education.

Frances truly enjoyed life and had a deep, lifelong passion for teaching—from the youngest kindergarteners to adults pursuing continued education. She began her teaching career at St. Michael the Archangel School and continued at St. Ignatius Loyola in Reading, Pa.

Later, she embarked on a remarkable journey with Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in Berlin. In addition to her full-time classroom roles, Frances also dedicated many of her evenings to teaching adult education classes at Stephen Decatur High School through Worcester County Public Schools.

She had a unique and beautiful talent for bringing every lesson to life through her exciting and heartfelt stories drawn from her real-world experiences. Her vibrant energy and genuine love for learning left an enduring impact on generations of students and colleagues alike.

In October of 2004, the Diocese of Wilmington honored Frances for 25 years of dedicated service in Catholic education—a testament to her unwavering devotion to her students and her faith.

Frances lived in Reading, Pennsylvania, for 18 years, where she built a life rooted in faith, education, and service. She and her beloved husband moved to their retirement home in 2003, in Ocean Pines, Maryland, to enjoy life near the beach that she loved so much.

Outside the classroom, Frances embraced every moment of life. She loved line dancing, taking walks on the beach, reading novels of various genres, and most of all, spending quality time with her family and friends. Frances especially adored butterflies—their bright colors and gentle, dancing movements from flower to flower brought her peace and calmness, especially during her walks around the pond of Ocean Pines. Frances’ strong Catholic faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She found comfort and purpose in her weekly prayer groups, served as a Eucharistic Minister in her Catholic communities in both Reading and Ocean City, and shared her faith with the next generation as a CCD teacher.

Known for her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering spirit, Frances touched many lives through her work, her friendship, and her love of family. She will be remembered for her warmth, wisdom, her grace, and the joy she brought to every interaction. Her legacy of love, learning, and faith will live on in the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her loving husband, Albert James Pilarski Jr., son Kenneth Albert Pilarski, son Kevin Michael Pilarski (wife Tina Pilarski), daughter Sharon Michelle Smith (husband Ted Smith), granddaughter Amanda Lynn Pilarski (fiancé Scott Botkins), granddaughter Jessica Pilarski Borits (husband Michael Ryan Borits), grandson Zachary Kenneth Pilarski, grandson Devin James Pilarski, grandson Gabriel Edward Smith, grandson Tyler Albert Smith, great-grandson, Mason Ryan Borits, great-granddaughter Madison Reign Botkins, and loving sister Kathryn Virginia DiNatale.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Joseph Michael DiNatale Sr.

Visitations will be held on Monday, June 23rd, 2025, from 6pm to 8pm, and Tuesday, June 24th, 2025, from 9 to 10 am, at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 24th, 2025, 11am, at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City. Interment will follow the mass at 1pm, in Gates of Heaven, Dagsboro, DE. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.