Frances Smith, 79, Canton, formerly of Colton

Longtime Canton resident, Frances B. Smith, 79, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, August 18, 2010. 

Fran was born on October 13, 1930, daughter of C. Everett and Jessie (McClelland) Brown. She graduated from Canton schools and attended Ithaca College and SUNY Canton.  Fran worked many years as a library aide in the Canton schools. She funded and was involved as a leader with the area 4H horse club, was actively involved with the St. Lawrence Figure Skating club and was known to area minor hockey players as "Ma Smith."  An avid reader, Fran loved the Canton Free Library.  With Bill, her loving husband and best friend of 60 years, she loved to travel and was devoted to her family.

Surviving are her husband, Lindon "Bill" Smith of Canton; two daughters, Linda McKeown of Ithaca, and Rebecca Martusewicz of Ypsilanti, MI; three sons, Lindon "Billy" Smith of Canastota,  Jeff Smith of Helena, Montana, and Chris Smith of Canton; five grandchildren and  two great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Rexford of Canton; and seven nieces and seven nephews. 

She was predeceased by a brother, Clisson Brown; two sisters, Harriet Lorence and Jean McKibben; and two nephews.   

A Memorial Service will be held for friends and family on Saturday August 21st at 3:00 in the afternoon at Lawrence Funeral Home, Canton. 

In lieu of flowers, the family desires memorial contributions to be sent to either the Canton Free Library, 6 Park Street, Canton, NY 13617; or to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Highway 11, Potsdam, NY 13676.