Frances G. Sherman

Frances G. Sherman, 88, of Craryville, passed away peacefully at home on July 30, 2024. She was born in Lincoln Park, New Jersey on September 4, 1935. The daughter of Peter and Lillian Crefeld. She was raised on the family farm to which her green thumb began.

Fran worked as a bookkeeper for many years beginning for Fosters Refrigeration, Atlas Cement, and then for Agway Petroleum where she was eventually promoted to a location manager.  She worked full-time and managed to raise not only her children, but a blended family with David Reed.

Forty years ago, Fran and David had a vision for their life long dream. A log cabin in the country, where together they could work tirelessly on their vegetable gardens. Fran would can their harvest which included carrots, tomatoes, green beans and more. She also canned homemade bread and butter pickles to enjoy through the year as well as her homemade applesauce.

She also would take her family strawberry picking at local farms so that she could make her delectable strawberry jam which, along with gift baskets, she sold at the Taconic Hills Craft Fair, Hudson High School, Ghent Church craft fair among others. She expanded her talents to include other jams and jellies which led to her pepper jelly being highly sought after. Hence the name “Grannie Frannie’s Homemade Pleasures”.

She also enjoyed working the Hillsdale Copake Farmers Market alongside the Laings from White Oak Farm. For years she sold her pies at the farmers market and was affectionately known as “Grannie Frannie”. People would often go to her table first to be sure to get one of her homemade delicious pies before she sold out. She truly loved the farmers market and seeing all of her friends.

As well as gardening, Fran and Dave enjoyed bowling, horse racing, casinos, family gatherings as well as being with their many friends. Atlantic City was where they took family to their beautiful oceanside timeshare every July.

Frances is survived by her children; Michele Hatch and her husband John and  R. Scott Sherman and his wife Elisabeth. Her extended family; David (Nancy Begley) Reed Jr., John (Bobbi Ann) Reed, and Lori (Walter) Puff. Grandchildren; Angie, Nate, Louis, Corey, Brianna, Rob and Bradford. Her great grandchildren; Louis IV., Ava, Grayson, Adrianna, Anthony, Lauren, Ada, Elana and Kayden. She is also survived by her sister Rosemary Maka.

Fran was predeceased by her longtime companion, David Reed, her grandson, Kevin Murrell and her siblings; Peter, Emil, Ruth, and Lillian.

She will be missed by her family and many longtime friends including, but not limited to, Sally Laing, Sandi-Jo Geller, Bob and Debbie Sitser and their family.

In keeping with Fran’s wishes, graveside services are being held privately. She will be laid to rest alongside David in Niver Cemetery on Friday, August 2, 2024.

In continuing with her mission, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude’s Research Center at stjude.org