Frances I. Flanders, formerly of Fort Plain, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2013, at the Mountain Valley Hospice House in Gloversville, N.Y.. Her loving family was by her side. She was born in Fort Plain, N.Y. at her family’s home on January 31, 1923. She was the daughter of the late Ralph and Mamie McCauley Lawson.
Frances graduated from Fort Plain High School and worked for various local businesses. She married Harley T. “Pete” Flanders on August 1, 1942. She and Pete shared a beautiful union of 38 years until his passing in 1980. Frances was a home maker and enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Frances was a devout Catholic. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Fort Plain. She enjoyed family gatherings, especially the holidays. Her lifelong love to play card games kept her family happy and together. Her childhood dream was to be a mom. This goal was a legacy she perfected for three generations.
Her loving family includes: daughters, Barbara A. Smith (“Whitey”) of Fort Plain, Judy M. Rice (Thomas) of Plattsburgh and Betty Flanders (Stephen) of Northville; a daughter-in-law Catherine; beloved grandchildren Jeffery T. Smith (Becky), Davida Underbrink (Ralph), Michael Flanders, Colleen Williams (Douglas), Brian Flanders (Heather), Kimberly Rice, Kelly Santor (Jeffrey), Ryan Gander (Lynde) and Jason Gander (Sadie). Ten great-grandchildren also survive.
She was predeceased by her son, Larry T. Flanders, and a sister Betty Knoeck.
A mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 115 Reid Street, Fort Plain, New York, at 11a.m. The Rev. Dennis Murphy as celebrant. Family and friends are invited to visit two hours prior to the Mass at the church, beginning at 9 a.m. Interment will take place in Fort Plain Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Please visit the family’s online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com.
