BOISE ID – Frances M. Ford, 88, formerly of Gravelly Point Drive, passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at the home of her son, under hospice care.

Fran was born November 1, 1933 in Altona, NY, the daughter of Richard and Dorothy (Averill) Naro. She graduated from Altona Central School and continued on, graduating from the Agriculture Technical College, SUNY Canton as it is now known in June 1955. On completing her studies, she was employed as a N.Y. Telephone representative for AT&T in Plattsburgh.

Fran married John F. Ford on May 4, 1957 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Plattsburgh, officiated by Rev. Myles Cyr, OMI. She was a member of St. Mary's of the Lake, Cumberland Head, and was an active member of the Altar Rosary Society serving a term as President, and also assisted in the Religious Programs for a number of years. When St. Mary's closed in 2011, she returned as a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church.

Fran was a member of the Town Historian Committee for the Town of Plattsburgh Bicentennial (1785-1985) celebration, she was also a co-leader of the Girl Scout Troop, Cumberland Head. She enjoyed traveling and camping with her sons and husband; one being very special across Canada and the United States.

Fran became a volunteer in the Refugee Program from the time it was formed in March 1987 until it closed in April 1993. Serving over 5000 refugees from 54 different countries that passed through Plattsburgh.

She kept a journal of her experiences with friendships evolving in the enlightenment of their culture. She was encouraged to write about her experiences and the Refugee Program. Fran drew from her journal and authored, "I Will Remember You", published in 1994 with many of her poems included.

With her husband retired they became avid travelers, touring Europe and North Africa.

Fran was predeceased by her parents, a loving step-father Max Urbanski, her husband John, a brother Donald, sister-in-law Dorothy (Harrison) Naro.

Fran was survived by two sons, Stephen and his wife Mary (Beach) Ford of Savannah, Christopher and his wife Michael (Grossman) Ford of Boise; five grandsons, Brendan, Ryan, Christopher, Zachary, Justin; a brother Richard and his wife Theresa of Altona; half-sister Sally Naro of West Chazy; sister-in-law Dorothy (O'Halloran) Ford of Sonoma CA; several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Friday June 10, 2022 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Plattsburgh. Burial will follow in St. Mary's of the Lake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to FitzPatrick Cancer Center, via www.cvph.org/Foundation/Waystogive-Memorial or The Foundation of CVPH, 75 Beekman St. Plattsburgh, NY 12901.

To share a photo, story or condolence with the family, by visiting www.rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of the R.W. Walker Funeral Home 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.