Frances J. "Fran" (Thomas) Thurston

Frances J. “Fran” (Thomas) Thurston, age 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday May 30, 2013 in the comfort of her home with her loving son Fran by her side. Born July 2, 1933 in Solsville, NY, Frances was the daughter of the late Phillip Carr and Edith (Williamson) Thomas. Fran attended local schools, many outside of the Utica area; she left school at the young age of 14 to care for her family. At the age of 19, she earned her GED. In 1957, Fran wed Francis L. Thurston with whom she shared a blessed union of 27 years until his passing in October 1984. Fran started her career at the age of 14, working in local movie theaters in various capacities. At 16, she began working at Neisner Brothers. In 1951, at the age of 18, Fran started working at General Electric on Kent Street as an assembler and then as a group leader; she later moved to Broad Street, and in 1969, moved to French Road, first as an inspector, and then to salary and production, the position from which she retired in 1993 after 42 years of dedicated service. Fran was an active union advocate. She was a member of Local 1669 International Association of Machinists (IAM) and held many positions; she always worked hard to get the best benefit packages for those she represented. During her retirement years, the simple life was all Fran desired. She enjoyed monthly luncheons with her fellow GE retirees. She socialized with other friends by going out for lunch/breakfast with them on a regular basis. She was a voracious reader and loved her romantic novels and baseball magazines. She went to her weekly hair and nail appointments. Watching baseball games on television and rooting for the NY Mets was her favorite pastime. She would enjoy going out to breakfast at Raspberries with her sister Betty and then playing Dominos together back home. She always remembered friends with cards and lottery tickets. She strongly supported the Smart Coupon Books and gifted many friends with books and coupons. Fran was a loving and generous friend who touched the lives of many. Fran is survived by her son, Francis B. Thurston, and her two grandsons, Francis G. Thurston and Nicholas R. Thurston, and their mother, Karen, all of Indiana. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, Delos (Del), who predeceased her in 2005. She is also survived by her sisters and brother-in-law, Betty Petronella of Utica, and Marilyn and William Gleason of SC; and several nieces and nephews. Also left to mourn her passing are special friends, Marguerite (Simonetti) Kershaw of New Hartford, David and Bert Askew of Sauquoit, and David and Tina Sherry of Clinton. The family expresses sincere thanks and gratitude to Fran’s caregivers, Janet, Debbie, and Bonnie for the love and attention they extended. Fran will be welcomed Home by her husband, Fran, and her son, Del. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Ruth Lewis, and Alice Nicholson; her brother, Robert Barnard; and her nephews, James Nicholson, and Jeff Petronella Visitation will be held Sunday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Fran’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence Sunday evening at 6:00 at the funeral home immediately upon the conclusion of visitation. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be considered to the Clayville Volunteer Fire Department or the Sauquoit Valley Friends and Neighbors; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Frances J. "Fran" (Thomas) Thurston

July 2, 1933 - May 30, 2013