Obituary of Frances Marie Lawson
Frances Marie Elling Lawson
Dundee: Frances Marie Elling Lawson, age 92, of Dundee, NY died peacefully Wednesday July 25, 2018 in the comfort of her home.
Honoring her wishes there will be no prior calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday Sept. 29, 2018 at the Dundee Presbyterian Church, 31 Main St. Dundee; with a reception immediatly following.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ontario-Yates County Hospice Assoc., 756 Pre-Emption Rd., Geneva, NY 14456.
Frances was born March 5, 1926 in Penn Yan, NY, a twin daughter of Fred and Helen Hansen Elling. Fran was a graduate of Penn Yan Academy and Albany Training School for Practical Nurses (1946). She worked as a licensed practical nurse in Clifton Springs, NY, Schenectady, NY and was the first LPN hired at Bellevue Hospital (1952) in New York City. During her time in NYC, as a member of the Oratorio Society of NY, she had the privilege of performing Handel's Messiah at Carnegie Hall with the NY Philharmonic Orchestra on two occasions.
She married William Lawson in March, 1954 and settled with him on their farm, Branxholm, in Dundee NY where they raised their six children. She opened her home to many foreign students during their studies at Cornell University, and hosted several international agricultural educational group members, sponsored by the Grange, over the years.
She was an active member of the Dundee Presbyterian Church, the Crystal Valley Grange, Cornell Cooperative Extension Home Dem and also led a 4-H group. She cherished her experience with Ontario Yates Hospice during the ten years that she volunteered her time to provide care and comfort to hospice patients.
She is survived by her twin sister, Florence Ann Tripoli of Mesa, AZ, her children, William (Jane) Lawson of Dundee, NY, Helen Lawson of Elmira, NY, Florence (Peter) Swartz of Skaneateles, NY, Alice (Frederick) Shoemaker of Dundee, NY, Gertrude (Michael) Frenz of Rockville, MD, George (Melissa) Lawson of Dundee, NY, nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren and 23 nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her parents Fred Otto and Helen Elling, her brothers Milfred Otto Elling (Virginia) and Oscar Andrew Elling (Jean).
Fran's family wishes to express their gratitude to the nurses, staff and volunteers of Ontario-Yates Hospice, Mary Cornish, who's guidance was invaluable and for the kindness of her neighbors at St. Marks Terrace in Dundee.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.