FRANCES M. PATRY MILTON - Frances Mary Patry died Feb. 28, 2011 in Tennessee where in declining health she was cared for by her son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Barbara, and their children, Nelya and Ivan. Fran was born in Paterson, N.J. on April 3, 1922 to Winifred (Sharkey) and James Killeen. She graduated from St. Joseph's High School in Paterson. Fran strongly believed in education and engagement. She was proud to begin her post-secondary education at The Cooper Union School of Art in New York City, N.Y.; however, due to the Great Depression, she could only attend a short time. She continued her education at Columbia University and MIT, studying there with Buckminster Fuller. She furthered her studies in art with portrait, ceramic and landscape courses at the Worcester Art Center. In 1973, at age 51, Fran earned her Bachelor's Degree from Goddard College, and went on to complete her Master's Degree at Johnson State College in 1980. As well as being a student, Fran also taught. She worked in the Extension Home Demonstration program, in Leominster, Mass., teaching home economics, nutrition and sewing. In the early 1960s, while living in New York, Fran taught art classes at the Ithaca Adult Education and Senior Center programs. As an artist and designer, Fran found employment opportunities that gave her freedom to express herself and use her many talents. In Paterson, N.J., she worked as a designer of department store display windows and as a photograph colorist. In 1946, she and her husband Joe opened "Design Center", a window display company, in Leominster, Mass. She also worked for American Optical Co. designing eyeglass frames in Southbridge, Mass. Fran was dedicated to literary arts as well. She was a trained Great Books Foundation discussion group leader, leading adult groups in Massachusetts and New York, and initiating youth groups in Vermont. She consistently solved the New York Times Sunday crossword and acrostic puzzles in a mere few hours. In the early 1960's the family moved to Candor, N.Y., where she worked for the Ithaca Journal as the Art Reviewer, writing more than 50 reviews of art exhibits at Cornell University and the surrounding Finger Lakes region. In 1964, Fran and her family moved to Vermont and over the ensuing 40 years, Fran continued her artistic, educational, political and social justice involvement, in addition to raising her family of nine children. She worked in the Jericho Schools as a substitute art teacher, as a mentor for Neighborhood Youth Corps, for a time at the alternative Shaker Mountain School, as a therapeutic mentor at Tallman House, a Home Tutor for high school students, and as a certification advisor for Home Schooling parents throughout the state. From its inception in 1970, working with Peter Smith and Peggy Williams, she was actively involved in the birth and growth of the Community College of Vermont - designing curriculum, teaching courses and opening the first Grand Isle office in her home. She served as a Guardian Ad Litem, advocating for children, in the St. Albans court system. Fran was a lifelong Democrat and participated in numerous campaigns through the years, getting out the vote time after time. She belonged to the Am Vets after World War II, The League of Women Voters, Older Women's League, Milton Women's Club and always the Democratic Party. She made her family part of the Fresh Air Fund for over a decade, welcoming new children into her home and family. Family was paramount. Her love, interest, kindness, encouragement, and generosity was given unstintingly at home then spread out into the wider community. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Joseph Patry; and their children and families, Paul and Peggy Patry, Suzanne and Melvin Berry, Maura and Curt Randall, James and Nina Patry, Ellen Patry, Stephen and Marti Patry, Thomas Patry and Barbara Sempf, John and Beth Patry, and Jane and Mike Sanchez; and by grandchildren, Matthew, Melvaleen, John, Paul, Ken, Gina, Tina, Rita, Mel Jr., Thera, Tana, Ami, Catrina, Alina, Erin, Shamus, Keiran, Kate, Joe, Christen, Joey, Tauny, Justina, Jessica, David, Bess, Nelya, Ivan, Willy Jane, Jake, Carolyn, Michael, Denise, Thomas and Barbara Ann. She is survived by 46 great- grandchildren. She is survived by her brother- and sisters-inlaw, Paul and Pat Patry, Lucille Mammone and Lorraine Sergerie and their families; by her cousins, Tommy and Elizabeth Barkalow and their families; by daughters-in-law, Jill Ford, Annie Malloy and Janet Higbee; and by family friend, Linda Kristiansen. Fran was predeceased by two daughters-in-law, Maureen Shepard and Carol Patry; son-in-law, Philip Rutherford; grandson, Abe Patry-Sempf; and brothersin-law, John Mammone and Robert Sergerie. Fran's family wishes to thank Home Health Care of Tennessee, especially Denise, Sharon, Megan, Jonni, and Joyce. Thanks also to her podiatrist, Dr. Brian, and her pal, Mary, from Tennessee Senior Home Assistance. The date for a ceremony in celebration of her life will be announced for later this Spring. In Fran's honor, memorial contributions in may be made to Community College of Vermont, 1 Abenaki Way, Winooski, VT 05404.
