Frances Onell Stewart Castaneda

Frances Onell Stewart Castañeda, a woman of extraordinary musical talent, dedication to family, and unwavering faith, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on August 7, 1934, in Decatur, Alabama, Frances was the cherished daughter of Bluitt and Adabelle Stewart and one of six siblings.  

At a young age, Frances’s prodigious musical abilities were evident, earning her admission to Oberlin Conservatory of Music at the age of 15. She double-majored in voice and piano performance, where her extraordinary talent led her to be recognized as “the most natural soprano in the nation.” It was during her time at Oberlin College that Frances rekindled a friendship with John Castañeda, who would later become her devoted husband.  

Frances and John shared a life filled with love, music, and faith. Their union was blessed with nine children: John Jr. (Janet), Darcel, Ramon, Mario (Arlene), Francine, twins Andrè and Rodnè, Raphael (Kim), and Thaddaeus (DeAnn). Together, they raised a family rooted in music, ministry, and service. Frances devoted many years as a stay-at-home mother, nurturing her children and sharing her gift of music. She often sang duets with her husband and trained her children as pianists and vocalists.  

Frances and John extended their musical ministry to form the group The Evangelizers, which traveled across Ohio, using their talents to spread the gospel. Frances also hosted family concerts with her children and husband, raising funds for local church projects and playing a key role in establishing the Lorain Seventh-day Adventist Church.  

Once her children were older, Frances returned to her studies, earning a bachelor’s degree in education and later a master’s degree in Reading. She went on to work as a Reading Specialist in the Lorain City Schools, where she dedicated herself to empowering students through literacy until her retirement in 2007.  

In retirement, Frances continued to serve her church and community, pouring her wisdom and love into her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her life was a testament to the power of faith, family, and the arts, leaving a legacy of service, music, and love that will be cherished by all who knew her.  

Frances is survived by eight children, a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bluitt and Adabelle Stewart, her siblings, Geneva, Bluitt Jr. Wynetta, Annabelle, and Margierene, and son, Ramon.  

A celebration of Frances’s remarkable life will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024; visitation from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Brown Robinson Funeral Home & Celebration Center, 6075 Middle Ridge Road, Lorain, Ohio 44053. Burial will be at Westwood Cemetery in Oberlin, Ohio. Online condolences at www.brownrobinsonfuneralhome.com. 

Frances’s life was a symphony of faith and love, and her memory will forever echo in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.