Frances Merino West

Frances Merino (DeDominicis/Hinton) West

December 8, 1935 – March 12, 2026

Frances Merino (DeDominicis/Hinton) West, a devoted mother, grandmother, sibling, friend, and community leader, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering love and commitment to her family and community.

Born between the Great Depression and World War II to immigrant parents (Italian and Spanish), Frances was the oldest of four children. As a child, she learned to cook, clean, and sew-skills that would be essential earlier than imagined. Frances' parents (both only children) died three months apart during her junior year in high school, leaving 16-year-old Frances in charge of the household, her brother Donald (13 years old), and the twins Paul and Patsi (8 years old). She still managed to graduate high school as valedictorian a year later and then graduated from NYU with B.A. degrees in Biology and English, with honors, on a full scholarship. During that time, the four children continued to live alone, raising themselves and later having successful careers after all four graduated college. Frances held many different jobs in NYC to support herself and her siblings, commuting daily through the Lincoln Tunnel from Union City, NJ. After college graduation, she taught science at Rutherford High School in New Jersey and was appointed Chair of the Science Department.

She moved to Delaware in 1962 and quickly became involved in community activities that shaped New Castle County and Delaware for years. In 1965, she became the Chair of New Castle County's zoning commission. She was instrumental in promoting road safety and modernization of state transportation systems.

She was the first woman appointed as a Delaware Highway Commissioner (overseeing highways and the Delaware State Police) and the first Director of Consumer Affairs for the State of Delaware, where she was known as Delaware's Consumer Protection Lady.

Frances was the first woman to serve in the Governor's cabinet when appointed in 1983 as Secretary of Community Affairs and served under four governors, both Democratic and Republican. She later served as president of the Better Business Bureau of Delaware, earned her law degree from Delaware Law School, and was admitted to the PA and DE Bars.

Frances had been appointed or elected as officer, president, or chair to more than 80 federal or state professional, regulatory, educational, charitable, advocacy, and volunteer organizations during 55 years of volunteer service. She was praised and valued for her leadership, organization, team building, selflessness, and good cheer. Most notably, she held leadership positions for the National Consumers League, Civic League for New Castle County, CCOBH, Naamans Heritage Association, Darley Society, Delaware Safety Council, Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, NCCRWC, Women Executives in State Government, and Wilmington West Rotary; served on the Board of Trustees at Salesianum School; and served on the Board of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (now Highmark) for 40 years, including chair of the BCBS Health Care Quality Committee and concluding as Chair of the Board of Highmark BCBS Delaware.

She was inducted into the Delaware Women's Hall of Fame in 2012 for her commitment to a better Delaware and for setting precedents for women in government. Frances spent more than 65 years as a Scout and Scout leader, rising to president of the Delmarva Boy Scout Council (first woman President of the Council), Chair of the BSA Northeast Region's 100th Anniversary, and recipient of the Silver Antelope and Silver Beaver awards, the highest recognition for regional scouting volunteer efforts.

She was married to Edward W. Hinton (deceased 2015) for 31 years, an engineer and antique dealer. They traveled extensively for fun, antique shopping, and work commitments. It was a marriage of love, fun, and food, and expanded both of their families immensely.

Born with a resilient spirit and a warm heart, Frances lived a life defined by compassion and dedication. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel welcome and valued. Whether through a shared meal at her table, a handwritten note, or a listening ear during difficult times, Frances expressed her care in both simple and profound ways.

Family was the center of her world. She took immense pride in her children and grandchildren, celebrating their achievements and supporting them through every season of life. Her home was a gathering place where traditions were lovingly upheld. The lessons she imparted-kindness, perseverance, service to others, and integrity-will continue to guide those who knew her.

She is survived by her sons Alex DeDominicis and Phillip DeDominicis; daughters-in-law Darlene Pence and Elyse Eisenberg; grandchildren Evan DeDominicis (Alexandra) and Dr. Elise DeDominicis-Cummings (Rex); and her extended family including Michael Hinton (Shelly) with sons Joseph and Sean; Marie "Snooky" (Bob), Angela (Ron) and their children; brother Paul Merino and his wife Cookie; sister-in-law Rosemary Merino; and five nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather Wednesday, March 18th, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. Additional parking is available at the YMCA. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 19th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Del-Mar-Va Council, Scouting America, 1910 Baden Powell Way, Dover, DE 19904, or online at https://www.delmarvacouncil.org/memorial/

For online condolences, please visit: mccreryandharra.com