Hague. Frances Ida Clifton, 91, formerly of Hague, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2013, at the Avenue Nursing Home of Schenectady.
Born in Ticonderoga, June 22, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Merle (Kirby) Spring.
She and her husband, Bernard A. Clifton, lived in Hague for many years and were the owners and operators of the Island Harbor House in Hague. She used skills she learned at the hotel in her subsequent careers, first as school lunch manager at the Hague Central School, and later as she worked for the Hague Chamber of Commerce, helping travelers find lodging in the Northern Lake George area.
Fran was a member of the Carillon Garden Club. Brought up in a musical family, she served for many years as the organist for the Hague Baptist Church, and later enjoyed singing with the Sweet Adelines.
Fran enjoyed travel, especially when it included family. Kennebunk Maine was a second home to Fran and Bernie, and they shared the passion they had for Maine by bringing their grandchildren on vacation with them. Other travel highlights included a trip, she and Bernie made to Lavenam, Scotland, the Spring family ancestral home, and trips to visit grandchildren in Seattle, Washington, Duluth, Minnesota and more recently a cruise to Bermuda.
Fran and Bernie relocated to Schoharie County to be closer to their daughter. While living in Middleburgh, Fran, as was her nature, became involved in community activities. She was a member of the 21st Century Club, and took pride in tending both her garden, as well as the hanging baskets lining Main Street.
An accomplished hand quilter, she sewed with a local guild, continuing to craft quilts, treasured by her family. Fran was a thoughtful neighbor often sharing her delicious homemade soups and rolls. She attended the Middleburgh Reformed Church.
Fran lived her last years at the Avenue Nursing Home in Schenectady. Family was of prime importance to her as was evident by her bragging about her children and grandchildren to anyone who would listen.
She was pre-deceased by her husband, Bernard A. Clifton and her daughter, Caroline Turner. She was also pre-deceased by seven brothers, Carl, Robert, Roy, Harold, Richard, Bud and Kenneth Spring and one sister, Marian "Betty" Beaudin.
Survivors include her son, Bernard A. Clifton of Morrisonville; her son-in-law, Tony Turner of Cobleskill; one brother, Robert Spring of Ticonderoga; five grandchildren, Colleen Benton, Robert Cross III, Pamela Clifton, Sarah Clifton, Cory Clifton; and three great-grandchildren, Daniel Benton, Emily Benton and Violet Hampton.
Calling hours for relatives and friends were held Friday, March 29, 2013 from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Wilcox & Regan Funeral Home, 11 Algonkin St., Ticonderoga.
A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Scott Tyler, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Ticonderoga, officiated.
Interment took place at the family plot of the Valley View Cemetery of Ticonderoga.
Donations in Fran's memory may be made to a charity of one's choice.
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