NATCHEZ – Services for Ellen Frances Sanguinetti Trosclair, 78, of Natchez, who died Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at her residence, will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. Mary Basilica with the Rev. David O’Connor officiating.

Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from noon until service time Friday at the church.

Ellen Frances Sanquinetti Trosclair was born Aug. 24, 1931. She was a fifth generation Natchezian and was the daughter of John Sanquinetti Sr. and Doris Couilliard Sanguinetti. Frances married J.P. Trosclair of Opelousas, La., in July of 1951, they were married for 49 years when he died in July 2000.

Frances was educated at St. Josephs Catholic School and a lifelong member and advocate of St. Mary Basilica. After spending a number years taking care of her family, Frances spent the rest of her years dedicated to public service. She was instrumental in creating the Natchez Senior Citizen Multipurpose Center from 1974 until 1992. In 1992, Frances ran for public office and served two terms as city clerk of Natchez with Mayor Larry “Butch” Brown. During her time in office she worked closely with the mayor, Board of Alderman and other city officials. She was very proud of the bluff stabilization project, the Visitor Reception Center and the completion of the Natchez Convention Center. She has always been very proud of Natchez and has often said her eight years in public office were some of her best. She received a number honors for her public service, including Citizen of the Year in 1988 and was awarded the Athena Award from the Natchez Chamber of Commerce in 1990.

She spent her retirement years traveling and spending time with her family when she was not at the bridge table or on the golf course.

Frances is preceded in death by four sisters, Mary Whitam, Abby Arnold, Dottie Arceneaux and Kathleen Officer.

She leaves behind a legacy in her nine children and 18 grandchildren, Jeanne Marie Trosclair Brahan, her husband Dr. Robert Brahan, their children, Robert, Richard and Catherine, all of Hattiesburg; Regina Trosclair Charboneau, her husband, Douglas, their children, Jean-Luc and Martin Charboneau and Catherine Cardneaux, all of Natchez; Andree Trosclair of Little Rock, Ark.; Joseph Phillip Trosclair Jr., his wife Beth, their children, Joseph Phillip “J.P.” III, his wife, Madeline, their son, Scott; Margaret Trosclair and son Cullen; Peter Trosclair, his wife Lisa, their children, Peter Jr., Brann and Rhett; Mary Trosclair Flowers, her husband Kevin, their children, Michael and Stephen, all of Natchez; Michelle Trosclair Akers and her husband, Chuck, of Dallas; Finley Trosclair, his wife Hope, their children, Will, Drew and Rachel, all of Sharpsburg, Ga.; and Ellen Trosclair Roberson, her husband Mike, and their children, Kate and John, all of Lawrenceville, Ga.; one sister, Betsy Yowell; three brothers and sisters-in-law, John Sanguinetti and wife, Mary Estelle, Joseph Sanguinetti and wife, Jeanie and James Sanguinetti and wife, Claudette; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Frances Sanguinetti Trosclair was a public servant, exceptional bridge and card player, golfer, wife, mother, sister, aunt and best friend to a large number of people. She will be missed by her family, her church and her community.

Pallbearers will be Robert Brahan, Michael Flowers, J.P. Trosclair III, Stephen Flowers, Luc Charboneau, Martin Charboneau and Peter Trosclair Jr.

Memorials may be made to Cathedral School or St. Mary Basilica Family Life Building Fund.

All friends and family are invited to a reception at Twin Oaks after the burial.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.