Long, Frances E.

Obituary

East Berne - Frances E. Benedict, an optimistic, compassionate, charitable and hard-working woman, died on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Our lady of Mercy life Center. She was 94. Mrs. Benedict was born on April 6, 1915 on the family farm in East Berne, the youngest daughter of the late Adelbert and Mary (Snyder) long. She met her late husband, Joseph H. Benedict, Sr. while visiting her sister in Albany; after their marriage she became a stay-at home Mom to her five children - Emma Marie, Frank Adelbert (who passed away from meningitis), Frances Alice, Joseph Jr., and Margaret Mary (Peggy). During early years of their marriage Joseph and Frances, along with Emma, Frankie and Alice lived in the city of Albany. Although Mrs. Benedict liked living of living in the city, largely because of the conveniences of running water and indoor bathroom facilities, the family moved back to the family homestead in East Berne. Mrs. Benedict has had a very busy life with raising her children, working the small farm to supplement the family's food needs, sewing, crocheting, and canning. She was actively involved in the ladies Aid of the Thompson's lake Reformed Church; this group of women were instrumental in coordinating Church suppers of chicken, turkey, and roast beef; the ladies Aid was not only a fund raising arm of the Church, it also provided a social outlet for the women of the agrarian community (e.g. women would get together for quilting bees in different members homes). Mrs. Benedict was a highly respected woman within the Berne-East Berne Community - always known for her willingness to assist other in need; she was approached on several occasions to provide a historical perspective for the recent books written about the community. While in the Our lady of Mercy life Center Mrs. Benedict was very active, with other residents and participated in almost all schedule activities; her willingness to assist others continued during this time in that she crocheted "lap blankets" for GI Veterans - which were sent to the VA Hospital in Albany at Christmas Time. In addition to her Church involvement Mrs. Benedict was: a Charter Member of Berne Fire Department Auxiliary; Charter Member of the Berne Historical Society; NYS Grand Chaplin, Order of Eastern Star; Grand Matron, Order of Eastern Star - Uhi Chapter; and Charter Member of Order of Eastern Star - Onesquethaw Chapter. Mrs. Benedict is survived by children: Emma Marie (Benedict) Nelson and husband Frederick (Albany, NY); Frances Alice (Benedict) McCormick and husband Robert (Slingerlands, NY); Joseph Harold Benedict, Jr. and partner Gloria (Chestertown, NY); Margaret Mary (Benedict) Cardinal and husband Robert (Schenectady, NY); Grandchildren: Lori Marie (Nelson) Ashman and partner Paul; Frederick Joseph (Cheryl) Nelson; Kimberly Dawn (Andrew) Raferty; Scott Warren (Diane) McCormick; Brian Arthur (Mari) Benedict; Timothy Joseph (Leslie) Benedict; Kelly (Erick) Rafferty; Michelle (John) Cossalman. Great grandchildren: Tanya Lee Perras; Julie Perras; Mary Kathleen McCormick; Emily Jane Ashman; Joseph Michael Ashman; Dana Katherine Ashman; Sara Elizabeth Nelson; Daniel James Nelson; Erin Michelle Rafferty; Lauren Marie Cossalman; Nicholas John Cossalman; Grace Helen Benedict; Kaitlin Ann Benedict; Madison Chase Benedict; Elaina Rose Benedict; Matthew Joseph Benedict. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday March 17, 2010 at Fredendall Funeral Home, Altamont. Friends may call Tuesday from 4 PM to 8 PM with a service at 7pm conducted by the Order of the Eastern Star. A spring burial will be held in Knox Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Thompson's Lake Reformed Church, PO Box 94, East Berne, NY 12054.

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