Frances D'Acquisto Scott

Frances Scott (née D’Acquisto) died February 11, 2026, at Ascension Hospital, Racine surrounded by her loving children, Alan, Andrea, Lisa, and Maria.

Fran was born in the small fishing village of Solanto, Sicily, to Antonia (nee Romeo) and Mario D’Acquisto on October 22, 1921. The family immigrated to the United States when she was 14 months old, and she was raised in Racine, Wisconsin, the oldest of four daughters.

Fran graduated from Horlick High School in 1939, Valedictorian of her class. She enlisted in the army during WWII and served her country in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). After discharge from the army Fran attended UW Madison on the GI bill and graduated from Teachers College in Milwaukee. She went on to teach special education for Racine Unified.

On August 4, 1951, she married Roman Scott at Holy Communion Lutheran Church. Later she worked with her husband in their family-owned and operated business, Sheridan Auto Sales & Service, retiring when her daughters took over the business in 1982.

Fran’s greatest joy was folk dancing. She was an original member of the Racine International Folk Dancers, discovering her joy of dance in 1969, at the age of 47. It became the passion of her life, and she rarely missed a Friday night. Fifty-seven years later Fran enjoyed her last dance five days before her death. She gave credit to folk dancing, and her beloved folk dance family, for her remarkable health and agility throughout her long and vital life

Fran loved music and was regularly seen, always in the front row, at the Music and More series, as well as at outdoor concerts on Monument Square. An avid lifelong learner, Fran possessed an active and curious intellect and loved to attend lectures at the library and UW Parkside.

As a young mother, Fran became an advocate for social justice, dedicating herself to peace and international unity. She served with organizations including Another Mother for Peace, the US/USSR Friendship Committee, and was a regular presence at Racine Interfaith Coalition prayer vigils. Her tireless efforts were recognized with the Don Thompson Award for International Peace. Fran was a charter volunteer with Parents Helpline (on call for 15 years) and St. Luke’s fledgling Hospice program and served on various community panels. She was a member of the Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church since 1963, where she served on the Religious Education committee, on board of directors, and sang in the multi-generational choir.

Fran is survived by her children: Alan (Deidre) Scott, Andrea Scott, Lisa Scott (Gerald) Ptacek, and Maria Scott; her grandchildren Alyssa (Kris) Amy, Tristan Scott, Anna Ptacek, Linnea Scott, and Roman Scott; her great-granddaughter: Lakelyn Amy; her many loving nieces and nephews, whom she adored; and friends who regarded her as a role model of love and resilience.

Fran was preceded in death by her loving husband, Roman Scott, and her sisters, Jeanette (Jesse) Hill, Leona (Khem) Shahani, and Fena (Ron) DeChenne, and special nephew Michael Hill.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home on Saturday, Feb 28, from 2:00-4:00.

There will be a Celebration of Fran at First Presbyterian Church, on Sunday, March 1 at 3:00 PM, preceded by brief visitation at 2:00.

A private internment is planned.

Our heartfelt gratitude to the Ascension All Saints ICU and CB2 staff for allowing us to stay night and day, never leaving her side; to care for, and hold vigil over our mother. We are grateful for the precious time we were able to spend with her to the last moment of her life.

Frances Scott’s greatest legacy was her endless love, and she shared it with abandon. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, folk dancer and member of Olympia Brown UU Church. She will be missed by all.