Frances Dorrian Rinaldi

December 8, 1926 - March 11, 2020

Frances Ann Dorrian Rinaldi, 93, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2020, with family by her side. A native Charlottean, Frances was born December 8, 1926, the daughter of James J. and Ruth Dorrian. A two-and-a-half-pound preemie, she was born a survivor. Frances grew-up at the family home on Louise Ave. and attended Central High School and Kings Business College. She met her husband, Albert, on a blind-date and they married less than a year later. The couple was blessed with four children and Frances found great joy in caring for the family. She was a faithful and loving wife and mother, who enjoyed preparing homemade meals and spending time around the kitchen table. She and Albert also took special care of their parents. After time spent raising their children, Frances began a career as a baker in the food services division for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. She retired after 20 years. Frances was an active member for over 50 years at Carmel Baptist Church, and a faithful member of the Charles Cranford Sunday School class. She truly demonstrated her faith in the way she lived her life and cared for those around her. She started her own card ministry where she handwrote cards to members of the church, family, and friends for many years. She was gifted in how she spent time encouraging others. Frances inspired others with her caring and genuine personality, humility, and solid faith in Christ. She was spunky and welcoming with a good sense of humor, a “can-do spirit,” big hugs, and a contagious laugh. Frances was grateful for her blessings and content with simplicity. A true Southerner, she will be remembered by her old-fashioned sayings, baked mac and cheese, and pound cakes. She cherished time with family throughout her years and spent nearly every summer camping with family at the beach. Frances was preceded in death by her beloved and devoted husband of 59 years, Albert, and son Dennis Rinaldi. Frances is survived by her son Andy Rinaldi, daughters Judy Alexander (Randy) and Penny Kronenwetter (Bill), six grandchildren— Leslie Garner (Donovan), Jennifer House, Brian Alexander (Marissa), Billy Kronenwetter (Sarah), Christopher Kronenwetter, Dennis Kronenwetter and five great-grandchildren, Deacon and Fletcher Garner, Beckett House, and Henry and Luke Alexander, also sister-in-law Ida Walker (Jerry), a niece and nephews. Frances touched many lives and will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14th at Sardis Presbyterian Church. It will be followed by a celebration of her life at 2:00 p.m. at Carmel Baptist Church, 1145 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Matthews, NC 28105. Family visitation will be held at the church afterwards. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Atrium Health Pineville for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be designated for Senior Ministries at Carmel Baptist Church; Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western NC, 121 W. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202; and Holy Angels, 6600 Wilkinson Blvd, P.O. Box 710, Belmont, NC 28012-0710.