Shirley M. (Hartman) Franz

Mrs. Shirley M. (Hartman) Franz, age 85, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Utica on October 3, 1923, Shirley was the daughter of the late Frank and Edith (Bammert) Hartman. Raised and educated locally, she attended T. R. Proctor High School. On April 14, 1941 she married Louis W. Franz with whom she shared 53 years prior to his passing on December 4, 1994; they were true companions from the inception of their relationship, and their lives were filled with love, respect, honor, and traditions. For Shirley, her home was her workplace, and she dedicated her love to her husband, children, and grandchildren. She radiated the values of motherhood and great strength of character throughout her life, and instilled those values into the lives of her loved ones. The blessing of six children and the way that she was honored by them throughout her life was what made her most proud. Shirley was kind-hearted and complimentary of others, and she lived a Christian and spiritual way of life. The holidays of Christmas, Thanksgiving, and birthday celebrations were meaningful and plentiful, as she loved to cook. She was one of the Yankees’ greatest fans, and a wiz at crossword puzzles. She was also computer savvy and took advantage of the technology of today. Graced with a green thumb, she adorned her home with hearty plants and flowers that she cultivated and cared for. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/ Blessed Sacrament Parish. Shirley is survived by her children and their spouses, Eileen and Daniel Sears of Winter Haven, FL, and Susan M. and Thomas Druskis of Charlotte, NC; her sons and daughters-in-law, Louis W., Jr. and Judy Franz of Utica, Jeff Franz, who was devoted in caring for and living with his mom, and Scott and Lorrie Franz of Elizabethtown, KY. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, William “Bill” Franz, who passed away in 2001. She also leaves her daughter-in-law, Beverly Franz of Utica; her 15 grandchildren; and her 14 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her sisters, Rita Johnston of Rochester, and Mary Cox of Miamisburg, OH; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Howard and Alice Hartman of New York Mills, Willard and Elizabeth Hartman of FL, and Edmund and Rosemary Hartman of NC; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sisters-in-law, Sophie Hartman, and Kay Franz. She will also be missed by her faithful canine companion, Buster. She was predeceased by her brother, Francis Michael Hartman. The family extends a special thank you to Shirley’s spiritual friend, MaryJane Bello, who was sharing the Eucharist with her. Visitation will be held Friday (today) from 5:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Shirley’s honor to the American Heart Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Shirley’s funeral service will commence on Saturday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Shirley M. (Hartman) Franz

October 3, 1923 - July 15, 2009