Frances Hesson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 3, 2017 in Plymouth, Massachusetts at the age of 80 years old. She was born Frances Barnett on April 14, 1936 in Birmingham, Alabama to James and Bessie Barnett. Along with her sister Barbara, Frances lived her childhood in Morristown, New Jersey, and later moved to Buffalo, New York where she married and raised a family.

During her working years, Frances was employed at Fireman’s Fund Insurance as a receptionist, where she was known for her professional charm and impeccable appearance at the front desk. She had a smile for every person that walked through the door. After her retirement, she later went on to work for the Buffalo Board of Education helping little ones with reading and math at PS 17 Early Childhood Center.

Frances had a knack for decorating; she always made a beautiful home, adorned with carefully picked
furniture and accents, and her favorite blue and white ginger jars. Shopping for these items was half the fun for her; browsing through TJ Maxx and Tuesday Morning was her typical pastime. Frances made a mean lasagna, and knew how to stretch a dollar. She possessed as much vim and sass as she had sweetness, and when she turned on her wit she filled the room with fun loving humor. As Alzheimer’s began to cloud her every thought, she still managed to chuckle out loud, with a hand full of jelly beans, watching her favorite show, Everyone Loves Raymond.

Most of all Fran loved her children and grandchildren. If her child broke a bone, she would need her own cast, because the thought of their affliction caused her actual pain. Christmas was the epitome of gift giving, a chance to spill out her love with wall to wall toys and wrapped packages under the tree, and always a plate of fresh baked cut out cookies with delicate brown edges, lovingly iced with red and green frosting. The grandchildren knew that they could expect an ice cream cone or to share her stash of root beer barrels when they came to visit. Fran was delighted to be called Grandma and got such a kick out of her granddaughter’s nickname for her, “Granmother Franmother”. During the best of times, during the worst of times, her children were foremost in her heart.

Fran was a survivor as she navigated challenges throughout her life. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7. Frances knew that God would, hold her hand, lift her up, and take her home. Now we have a new angel!

Frances is survived by her children, Brent Hesson and wife Kim, Howard Hesson and wife Grettle, Carol Stewart and husband Tony; 3 grandchildren, Aaron Hesson, Malaya Stewart, Jordan Stewart; 1 sister, Barbara Burney; “adopted” granddaughter Jazmine and many family members and friends who all loved her.