Frances (Fran) Louise Smith, a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend to all passed away January 27, 2024. She was known for her quick wit, kindness and dedication to family and friends.

Fran will be greatly missed by her loving children Carol Carlin, Robert (Brenda) Smith, Wayne (Sue) Smith, her grandchildren Francine Pelkey, Patricia Finocchario, Barbara Finocchario, Amy (Kyle) Fisher, Andrew Smith and Jeffrey Smith, her great-grandchildren Ryan Pelkey, Jessica Pelkey, Brandon (Sierra) DeGraff, Abigayle Fisher and great-great grandchild Paisley DeGraff. Sister-in-law Nancy Lang, niece Gail (John) Drew and nephew Bruce (Debbie) Teuscher, nephew David (Sally) Smith, nieces Linda (Steve) Futter and Christine (Patrick) Ireland. Remembering Fran with great fondness is her special friend Joyce Willard. Fran was predeceased by her loving husband of 56 years Morris, her sister Betty Teuscher, brother Charles “Bud” Lang and son-in-law Albert “Bucky” Carlin.

She was born December 14, 1927 to Carolyn and Charles Lang and grew up in Avon, NY. She was fondly named after both parent’s grandmothers. While attending Avon School she was a cheerleader and president of the class of 1945. In her graduation memory book, she noted she wanted to be a “muck farmer’s wife.” Fran married Morris Smith on June 28, 1947 after his return from the Navy at the end of WWII and settled in South Lima on their farm where they raised their family. They spent 50 wonderful years in South Lima before moving to the Village of Livonia.

As a devoted housewife and mother, she was an excellent cook, canning from the vegetables grown in their garden and never let the cookie jar go empty. Fran enjoyed sewing matching mother and daughter dresses and leading her daughter’s girl scout group. Flannel shirts were always custom made for Morris, her sons and later grandsons.

When the children grew older, Fran worked as postmistress at the South Lima Post office and later moved to the Lakeville Post Office. While working at the Lakeville Post Office, a person new to the area received a quilting magazine. Fran immediately took her under her wing and they became lifelong friends.

Her family and friends knew Fran as a prolific, talented and excellent sewer and quilter who was always ready and willing to share her knowledge. After retirement, Fran spent more and more time quilting and lost count on the number she made. Her family has many cherished quilts to remember her. Fran enjoyed spending time with her friends at Silver Sneakers and after their workouts they rewarded themselves with coffee and conversation at McDonalds after their class.

She enjoyed spending winters in Florida and Arizona. Fran was a lifelong member of the Zion Episcopal Church in Avon, NY where she taught Sunday School classes and contributed on the church’s Bicentennial Quilt. She cherished her family and friends she made through quilting, sewing and exercise classes. Fran lived and enjoyed a good life.

Family and friends will be greeted for calling hours on Wednesday, January 31st from 4 – 7 PM at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Livonia NY. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 11AM at the Zion Episcopal Church, 10 Park Place, Avon NY. A luncheon celebration of Fran’s life will follow the service in the church hall. Burial will be held after the luncheon at Union Cemetery on Big Tree Road in Livonia.

In lieu of flowers, Fran’s wishes were for memorial contributions to be made in Fran’s memory to the Zion Episcopal Church, 10 Park Place, Avon, NY 14414. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com